Bio

Dr. Geoff Tabin is Co-Founder and Chairman of the Himalayan Cataract Project and a Professor of Ophthalmology and Global Medicine at Stanford University. He has published more than 45 peer-reviewed articles, two books and a dozen book chapters related to his work in ophthalmology and the developing world.

Dr. Tabin is the fourth person in the world to reach the tallest peak on each of the seven continents. His passion for mountain climbing directed him to his professional career in eye care. After summiting Mt. Everest, on one of his expeditions, he came across a Dutch team performing cataract surgery on a woman who had been needlessly blind for three years. It was then he understood his life calling.

Tabin graduated from Yale University and then earned an MA in Philosophy at Oxford University on a Marshall Scholarship. From there, he took his interest in moral philosophy and health care delivery to Harvard Medical School where he earned his MD in 1985. After completing an ophthalmology residency at Brown University and a fellowship in corneal surgery in Melbourne, Australia, Dr. Tabin returned to Nepal to work with Dr. Sanduk Ruit.

Tabin and Nepalese eye surgeon Dr. Sanduk Ruit established the Himalayan Cataract Project in 1995 – with a vow to work to eliminate all preventable and treatable blindness from the Himalayan region in their lifetime, a goal, in Tabin’s words, “more audacious than setting out to make the first assent of the East Face of Mount Everest.” Dr. Ruit, whom the Associated Press heralded as the “god of sight” to the world’s poor, and Tabin have proven that hospital quality standards can be applied in impoverished areas devoid of electricity and clean water. Their successful approach to restoring sight and dogged perseverance has made possible what 20 years ago seemed impossible.

The Himalayan Cataract Project has since expanded beyond the Himalayas to encompass Sub-Saharan Africa as well. Dr.Tabin spends a considerable part of the year working abroad throughout the Himalayas and Sub-Saharan Africa. At Stanford his practice focus encompasses surgery and treatment of diseases of the anterior and external eye including cataract and corneal surgery.

Clinical Focus

  • Cornea and External Diseases Specialist

Academic Appointments

  • Professor - University Medical Line, Ophthalmology

Professional Education

  • Residency: Michael Reese Hospital (1988) IL
  • Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology (1997)
  • Fellowship: Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (1995) Australia
  • Residency: Brown University Division of Ophthalmology (1994) RI
  • Residency: University of Colorado General Surgery Residency (1986) CO
  • Medical Education: Harvard Medical School (1985) MA

Contact

  • Clinical (Primary)  Stanford Byers Eye Institute 2452 Watson Ct MC 5353 Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 725-6619 (fax)

Additional Clinical Info

Links

2024-25 Courses

Stanford Advisees

All Publications

  • Sickle cell retinopathy among Ghanaian high school students: a school-based screening BMJ GLOBAL HEALTH Sedhom, J., Ahmed, A., Deslauriers, A., Ahmed, E., Baah, C., Ackah, P., Appiah-Berko, M., Appiagyei, M., Yeboah-Arhin, O., Shah, S., Pershing, S., Tabin, G. C., Mruthyunjaya, P., Brant, A. 2024; 9 (12)

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-016896

    View details for Web of Science ID 001381751300001

  • Population Prevalence, Pattern and Associated Factors for Retinal Diseases at High Altitude in Nepal. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) Thapa, R., Ruit, S., Poudel, M. P., Neupane, P., Banjara, P., Duwal, S., Gurung, E., Tabin, G. 2024; 18: 2555-2565

    Abstract

    Retinal diseases are common at high altitudes due to a cascade of changes caused by hypoxia. The aim of this study is to assess the population prevalence, pattern and associated factors of retinal disorders at high altitude in Nepal.A cross-sectional study was conducted at three selected high-altitude districts (over 2500 meters) of Nepal. Subjects were at least 40 years old, and the target sample size was 309. A detailed history was taken. Visual acuity, blood sugar, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were measured. Anterior and posterior ocular evaluations were conducted by retina specialists using slit lamp and indirect ophthalmoscopy.A total of 338 participants were recruited, with nearly equal numbers from the three districts with mean age of 57.0 (S.D 11.1) years. Two-thirds (63.9%) were females; 38.2% were illiterate, and 46.7% were farmers. Average blood oxygen saturation was 87.2% (S.D 4.1%). Systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus were found in 58% and 11%, respectively. Retinal diseases were found in 176 (52.5%), with bilateral involvement in 157 (46.9%). The major retinal diseases were hypertensive retinopathy (32.2%), high-altitude retinopathy (10.4%), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (8.1%), branch vein occlusion (BRVO) (2.1%), and diabetic retinopathy (DR) (1.8%). The multivariate analysis showed significant association of retinal diseases with age and hypertension. Best corrected visual acuity better than 6/18 was present in 96.7%.Over half of the study participants had retinal diseases, with hypertensive retinopathy, AMD, and high-altitude retinopathy as the most common retinal problems. A significant association of retinal diseases was found with ageing, and hypertension. Access to eye care services and control of systemic hypertension along with patient education should be emphasized among people living at high-altitude.

    View details for DOI 10.2147/OPTH.S457153

    View details for PubMedID 39257593

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11385359

  • Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Treatment of Eye Injuries and Illnesses in the Wilderness: 2024 Update. Wilderness & environmental medicine Paterson, R., Drake, B., Tabin, G., Cushing, T. 2024; 35 (1_suppl): 67S-77S

    Abstract

    A panel convened to develop an evidence-based set of guidelines for the recognition and treatment of eye injuries and illnesses that may occur in the wilderness. These guidelines are meant to serve as a tool to help wilderness providers accurately identify and subsequently treat or evacuate for a variety of ophthalmologic complaints. Recommendations are graded based on the quality of their supporting evidence and the balance between risks and benefits according to criteria developed by the American College of Chest Physicians.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/10806032231223008

    View details for PubMedID 38425236

  • Intraocular pressure screening during high-volume cataract surgery outreach in Ethiopia. BMC ophthalmology McClain, I. J., Rooney, D. M., Tabin, G. C. 2022; 22 (1): 397

    Abstract

    INTRODUCTION: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is often undetected in resource-limited settings. Early screening and treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) reduces both the development and progression of visual field defects. IOP screening in developing countries is limited by access to ophthalmic equipment, trained ophthalmic staff, and follow up. High-volume cataract surgery outreaches in resource-limited countries provide ample opportunity for glaucoma screening, intervention and follow up.METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study took place during a cataract outreach campaign sponsored by the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP) in partnership with Felege Hiwot Hospital in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, during April 5th - April 10th 2021. IOP was measured on the surgical eye of patients before undergoing small incision cataract surgery (SICS) using rebound tonometry with an iCare tonometer model IC100.RESULTS: Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in 604 eyes of 595 patients who received SICS. Mean IOP was 12.1mmHg (SD=5.0mmHg). A total of 29 patients had an IOP greater than 21mmHg representing 4.8% of total IOP measurements. A total of 17 patients received oral acetazolamide prior to surgery to acutely lower IOP. Six of these patients had their surgery delayed due to elevated IOP and 9 patients received excisional goniotomy at the time of SICS. A temporal approach during SCIS was taken for all patients with elevated IOP to allow for possible trabeculectomy at a future date.DISCUSSION: IOP screening during high-volume cataract outreach campaigns can be performed safely, accurately and on a large scale with minimal resources and supplemental training. Pre-operative IOP measurement can improve surgical care at the time of cataract surgery as well as help establish long-term follow up for patients with glaucoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1186/s12886-022-02618-1

    View details for PubMedID 36199054

  • Characterizing transnational ophthalmic surgical partnerships by engagement and training Olivieri, D. J., Yu, Z. Z., Tabin, G. C., Thapa, R., Greenberg, P. B. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC. 2021

    View details for Web of Science ID 000690761400802

  • Characterizing transnational ophthalmic surgical partnerships by engagement and training. Clinical & experimental ophthalmology Olivieri, D. J., Yu, Z. Z., Tabin, G. C., Thapa, R., Greenberg, P. B. 2021

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: To characterize ophthalmic partnerships between high-income country (HIC) and low- and middle-income country (LMIC) stakeholders to better understand and address international disparities in ophthalmic surgical care.METHODS: An international Web search was conducted to identify surgeons, foundations, or organizations participating in ophthalmic delivery and/or capacity building from 2010-2019. Partnerships were defined through clinical activities, education and training, and/or research support. Descriptive data on current ophthalmic partnerships were collected from published reports, literature reviews, and information on stakeholder webpages. Partnerships were classified by the extent of engagement and training: grade I 'engagement' represented documented partnerships of at least 1years and grade I 'training' limited or poorly defined skills transfer programs, while grade III 'engagement' represented partnerships with well-documented fiscal investment and/or research productivity and grade III "training" established training programs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and geospatially depicted on Tableau (Mountain View, CA) and ArcMap software (Redlands, CA).RESULTS: In total, 209 unique HIC - LMIC partnerships encompassing 92 unique countries were described. The most common HIC partners were from North America (123; 59%), followed by Europe (75; 36%). The most common LMIC partners were from Africa (103; 49%), followed by Asia-Pacific (54; 26%) and Latin America (44; 21%). Additionally, partnerships most frequently provided services in cataract (48%), glaucoma (25%), and diabetic retinopathy (25%). The most common 'Engagement' classifications were grade I (35%) or II (39%); the most common "Training" classifications were grade I (61%) or II (23%).CONCLUSIONS: Transnational ophthalmic partnerships exist with varying degrees of both engagement and training. Research collaboration and direct services are two current areas of partnership strength, while LMIC-directed training programs need improvement relative to other surgical fields. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/ceo.13920

    View details for PubMedID 33751766

  • The Impact of COVID-19 on Missed Ophthalmology Clinic Visits CLINICAL OPHTHALMOLOGY Brant, A. R., Pershing, S., Hess, O., Rooney, D., Goldberg, J., Tabin, G., Wang, S. Y. 2021; 15: 4645-4657

    Abstract

    To measure the COVID-19 pandemic impact on missed ophthalmology clinic visits and the influence of patient and eye disease characteristics on likelihood of missing clinic visits before and during the pandemic.A retrospective observational study analyzing eye clinic patients at a large tertiary care academic institution. We identified patients scheduled for eye care during pre-COVID-19 (January 1-February 29, 2020) and early COVID-19 (March 16-May 31, 2020) time periods. Missed appointment frequency and characteristics were evaluated during each time period. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to examine adjusted odds of having at least one missed appointment during a given time period. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, preferred language (non-English vs English), insurance, distance from clinic, and diagnosis.Overall, 82.0% (n = 11,998) of pre-COVID-19 patients completed all scheduled visits, compared to only 59.3% (n = 9020) during COVID-19. Missed visits increased dramatically in late March 2020, then improved week by week through the end of May 2020. General ophthalmology/cataract and strabismus clinics had the highest rates of missed clinic visits during the COVID-19 period; neuro-ophthalmology, retina, cornea, oculoplastics and glaucoma had the lowest. Females, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, ages 50+, and married patients had higher adjusted odds of missing clinic visits, both pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19. Asian, elderly, and cataract patients had the highest adjusted odds of missing clinic visits during COVID-19 and had significant increases in odds compared to pre-COVID-19. Non-married, diabetic macular edema, and wet age-related macular degeneration patients had the lowest adjusted odds of missed visits during COVID-19.Missed clinic visits increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among elderly and nonwhite patients. These findings reflect differences in eye care delivery during the pandemic, and they indicate opportunities to target barriers to care, even during non-pandemic eras.

    View details for DOI 10.2147/OPTH.S341739

    View details for Web of Science ID 000730419000002

    View details for PubMedID 34916776

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8667753

  • Utility and Feasibility of Teleophthalmology Using a Smartphone-Based Ophthalmic Camera in Screening Camps in Nepal. Asia-Pacific journal of ophthalmology (Philadelphia, Pa.) Collon, S., Chang, D., Tabin, G., Hong, K., Myung, D., Thapa, S. 2020

    Abstract

    To determine whether use of a mobile device-based ophthalmic camera by ophthalmic technicians (OTs) in village screening camps in Nepal followed by remote image interpretation by an ophthalmologist can improve detection of ocular pathology and medical decision-making.Evaluation of mobile device-based ophthalmic camera through study of before and after clinical decision-making.One hundred forty patients over 18 years of age presenting to remote screening camps with best-corrected visual acuity ≤20/60 in one or both eyes were enrolled. Participants were examined by an OT with direct ophthalmoscopy. The technician recorded a diagnosis for each eye and a disposition for each patient. Patients then had anterior segment and fundus photos and/or videos taken using a smartphone-based ophthalmic camera system. Photos and videos were uploaded to a secure, HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based server, and interpreted by masked ophthalmologists from XXX, who independently recorded diagnoses and a disposition for each patient.The diagnoses given by OTs and ophthalmologists differed in 42.4% of eyes. Diagnosis agreement was highest for cataract [k = 0.732, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.81], but much lower for posterior segment (retina/optic nerve) pathology (k = 0.057, 95% CI -0.03-0.14). Ophthalmologists and OTs suggested different dispositions for 68.6% of patients. Agreement was highest for cataract extraction (k = 0.623, 95% CI 0.49-0.75), whereas agreement for referral to XXX was lower (k = 0.12, 95% CI 0.00-0.24).Remote ophthalmologist consultation utilizing a mobile device ophthalmic camera system is logistically feasible, easily scalable, and capable of capturing high-quality images in the setting of rural eye screening camps. Although OTs are well equipped to identify and triage anterior segment pathology, this technology may be helpful in the detection of and referral for posterior segment pathology.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/01.APO.0000617936.16124.ba

    View details for PubMedID 31985527

  • Global Ophthalmology Insights for a Global Pandemic. American journal of ophthalmology Hinkle, J. W., Ansari, Z. n., Tabin, G. C. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.05.011

    View details for PubMedID 32505364

  • Artificial Intelligence in Global Ophthalmology: Using Machine Learning to Improve Cataract Surgery Outcomes at Ethiopian Outreaches. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery Brant, A. R., Hinkle, J. n., Shi, S. n., Hess, O. n., Zubair, T. n., Pershing, S. n., Tabin, G. C. 2020

    Abstract

    Differences between target and implanted intraocular lens (IOL) power in Ethiopian cataract outreach campaigns were evaluated and machine learning (ML) applied to optimize IOL inventory and minimize avoidable refractive error. Patients from Ethiopian cataract campaigns with available target and implanted IOL records were identified and the diopter difference between the two measured. A gradient descent (an ML algorithm) was used to generate an optimal IOL inventory and measured the model's performance across varying surplus levels.Only 45.6% of patients received their target IOL power and 23.6% received underpowered IOLs with current inventory (50% surplus). The ML-generated IOL inventory ensured that >99.5% of patients received their target IOL when using only 39% IOL surplus.In Ethiopian cataract campaigns, the majority of patients have avoidable postoperative refractive error secondary to suboptimal IOL inventory. Optimizing IOL inventory using our ML model might eliminate refractive error from insufficient inventory and reduce costs.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000407

    View details for PubMedID 32932371

  • Teleophthalmology through handheld mobile devices: a pilot study in rural Nepal. Journal of mobile technology in medicine Hong, K. n., Collon, S. n., Chang, D. n., Thakalli, S. n., Welling, J. n., Oliva, M. n., Peralta, E. n., Gurung, R. n., Ruit, S. n., Tabin, G. n., Myung, D. n., Thapa, S. n. 2019; 8 (1)

    Abstract

    To compare screening referral recommendations made by remotely located ophthalmic technicians with those of an ophthalmologist examining digital photos obtained by a portable ophthalmic camera system powered by an iOS handheld mobile device (iPod Touch).Dilated screening eye exams were performed by ophthalmic technicians in four remote districts of Nepal. Anterior and posterior segment photographs captured with a Paxos Scope ophthalmic camera system attached to an iPod Touch 6th generation device were uploaded to a secure cloud database for review by an ophthalmologist in Kathmandu. The ophthalmic technicians' referral decisions based on slit-lamp exam were compared to the ophthalmologist's recommendation based on the transmitted images.Using the transmitted images, the ophthalmologist recommended referral for an additional 20% of the 346 total subjects screened who would not have been referred by the ophthalmic technician. Of those subjects, 34% were referred to the retina clinic. Conversely, among the 101 patients referred by the technician, the ophthalmologist concurred with the appropriateness of referral in more than 97% of cases but thought eight (2.8%) of those patients had variants of normal eye pathology.An ophthalmologist who reviewed data and photos gathered with the mobile device teleophthalmology system identified a significant number of patients whose need for referral was not identified by the screening technician. Posterior segment pathology was most frequently found by the remote reader and not by the technician performing dilated slit lamp examinations. These results are promising for further clinical implementation of handheld mobile devices as tools for teleophthalmic screening in resource-limited settings.

    View details for DOI 10.7309/jmtm.8.1.1

    View details for PubMedID 32728400

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7388679

  • Comparison of early versus standard timing for silicone stent removal following External Dacrocystorhinostomy under local anaesthesia NEPALESE JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY Limbu, B., Lyons, H. S., Shrestha, M., Tabin, G. C., Saiju, R. 2019; 11 (1): 24–28

    Abstract

    The first line treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is external dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR). Following DCR, patients are required to return to Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) six weeks postoperatively for the removal of a silicone stent. As the majority of patients travel large distances at significant cost to reach TIO, most often patients remain within Kathmandu during this six weeks interval. This places a large financial burden on patients.A randomized controlled trial was designed to compare patient outcomes after early (two weeks postoperatively) versus standard (six weeks postoperatively) removal of silicone stents. 50 selected patients were randomized into two equal groups.At the time of publication, 31 patients (14 in group A and 17 in group B) had completed three months follow up. A success rate of 92.9% was noted in Group A and a success rate of 94.1% observed in group B. No significant difference was found between the two groups for success rate and rate of complications.Early tube removal post DCR appears to cause no significant difference in outcome or complication rates compared to standard tube removal.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000484410500005

    View details for PubMedID 31523063

  • Elimination of preventable blindness: can success in Nepal be replicated in Africa? INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN HEALTH Nikpoor, N., Hansen, E. D., Oliva, M. S., Tabin, G., Ruit, S. 2018; 5: 27–39

    View details for DOI 10.2147/IEH.S133527

    View details for Web of Science ID 000468090500001

  • Smartphone-based Ophthalmic Imaging with Paxos Scope (TM) to Expand and Improve Eye Care in Rural Nepal Myung, D., Welling, J., Oliva, M., Chang, D., Tabin, G. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC. 2016

    View details for Web of Science ID 000394174004078

  • Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness in Bhutan OPHTHALMIC EPIDEMIOLOGY Lepcha, N. T., Chettri, C. K., Getshen, K., Rai, B. B., Ramaswamy, S. B., Saibaba, S., Nirmalan, P. K., Demarchis, E. H., Tabin, G., Morley, M., Morley, K. 2013; 20 (4): 212-219

    Abstract

    To conduct a rapid assessment of avoidable blindness survey in Bhutan to obtain estimates of blindness, visual impairment, and cataract surgical coverage, outcomes and barriers among persons ≥50 years old.A total of 82 clusters of 50 people ≥50 years were selected using probability proportionate to size sampling. Eligible participants were selected from households using compact segment sampling, and underwent ophthalmic examination for visual acuity, followed by penlight and direct ophthalmoscopy. Participants with cataract were interviewed regarding surgical outcomes and barriers to surgery.Overall, 4046 of 4100 persons enumerated (98.7%) underwent ophthalmic examination. Adjusting for age and sex, the prevalence of bilaterally blind persons with available correction was 1.5% (95% confidence interval 1.09-1.89). Most blindness (67.1%) and severe visual impairment (74.1%) resulted from cataract, but 22.1% resulted from posterior segment pathology. Cataract surgical coverage for bilaterally blind persons was 72.7%. Almost 90% of patients reported moderate or good satisfaction, despite poor surgical outcomes in 23.6%.The prevalence of blindness in people aged ≥50 years in Bhutan was relatively low when compared with neighboring countries and World Health Organization sub-region estimates. Areas for improvement include community outreach, surgical outcomes, and posterior segment diseases.

    View details for DOI 10.3109/09286586.2013.794902

    View details for Web of Science ID 000322781000003

  • Complications in Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery COMPLICATIONS IN OCULAR SURGERY: A GUIDE TO MANAGING THE MOST COMMON CHALLENGES Bujak, M. C., Gurung, R., DeMarchis, E., Ruit, S., Tabin, G., Agarwal, A., Jacob, S. 2013: 167–80

    View details for Web of Science ID 000314254300015

  • Utility and Feasibility of Teleophthalmology Using a Smartphone-Based Ophthalmic Camera in Screening Camps in Nepal. Asia-Pacific journal of ophthalmology (Philadelphia, Pa.) Collon, S. n., Chang, D. n., Tabin, G. n., Hong, K. n., Myung, D. n., Thapa, S. n. ; 9 (1): 54–58

    Abstract

    To determine whether use of a mobile device-based ophthalmic camera by ophthalmic technicians (OTs) in village screening camps in Nepal followed by remote image interpretation by an ophthalmologist can improve detection of ocular pathology and medical decision-making.Evaluation of mobile device-based ophthalmic camera through study of before and after clinical decision-making.One hundred forty patients over 18 years of age presenting to remote screening camps with best-corrected visual acuity ≤20/60 in one or both eyes were enrolled. Participants were examined by an OT with direct ophthalmoscopy. The technician recorded a diagnosis for each eye and a disposition for each patient. Patients then had anterior segment and fundus photos and/or videos taken using a smartphone-based ophthalmic camera system. Photos and videos were uploaded to a secure, HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based server, and interpreted by masked ophthalmologists from XXX, who independently recorded diagnoses and a disposition for each patient.The diagnoses given by OTs and ophthalmologists differed in 42.4% of eyes. Diagnosis agreement was highest for cataract [k = 0.732, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.81], but much lower for posterior segment (retina/optic nerve) pathology (k = 0.057, 95% CI -0.03-0.14). Ophthalmologists and OTs suggested different dispositions for 68.6% of patients. Agreement was highest for cataract extraction (k = 0.623, 95% CI 0.49-0.75), whereas agreement for referral to XXX was lower (k = 0.12, 95% CI 0.00-0.24).Remote ophthalmologist consultation utilizing a mobile device ophthalmic camera system is logistically feasible, easily scalable, and capable of capturing high-quality images in the setting of rural eye screening camps. Although OTs are well equipped to identify and triage anterior segment pathology, this technology may be helpful in the detection of and referral for posterior segment pathology.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/01.APO.0000617936.16124.ba

    View details for PubMedID 31990747