Maintaining the Target Intraocular Pressure: African American Glaucoma Specialists

Maintaining the Target Intraocular Pressure: African American Glaucoma Specialists is a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of the leading 21st century African American glaucoma specialists to the field of ophthalmology. This unique resource details the various influences that molded and shaped African American ophthalmologists specializing in glaucoma.

Maintaining the Target Intraocular Pressure: African American Glaucoma Specialists includes a compilation of personal testimonies that provide unique insight as prominent African American glaucoma specialists share their knowledge, experiences, and expertise.

Edited by leading glaucoma specialists, Sade Kosoko-Lasaki, MD, MSPH, MBA; Mildred M.G. Olivier, MD; and Edward N. Burney, MD, FACS this informative resource gives a voice to the collective historical and current perspectives on the field of ophthalmology as well as detailed information on the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma in African Americans.

The presentation of questions and answers provides a personal look into the challenges faced by the African American glaucoma specialist, their motivation for entering the field of ophthalmology, and their present role in eliminating disparities in glaucoma health care.

Topics covered inside include historical perspectives, epidemiology, screening, medical management, and therapy compliance as it relates to glaucoma in African Americans. An informative chapter on medications contains a summary of important information for each medication class.

Maintaining the Target Intraocular Pressure: African American Glaucoma Specialists is an inspiration to both aspiring and existing African American glaucoma ophthalmologists, as well as all ophthalmologists looking to further their understanding.

Topics Include:

Influence of race on optic nerve head and optic nerve cup-disc ratio Diagnosis of glaucoma in African Americans Surgical management of African Americans suffering from glaucoma Glaucoma specialists "par excellence" Biosketches and photographs of selected African American glaucoma specialists

Dr. Kosoko-Lasaki is a currently the Associate Vice President of Health Sciences and Multicultural and Community Affairs at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. She is an Associate Professor of Surgery (Ophthalmology) and also an Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health. She recently completed a traditional MBA program at Creighton University. Dr. Kosoko-Lasaki is a Nigerian American who migrated to the United States in 1982. She is happily married to Gbolahan Lasaki, PhD, a petroleum engineer. Her quest for educating minority students and residents was borne out of her position at Howard University as Director of Glaucoma Services and Research (1994-2000). Eight of her former residents have specialized in glaucoma management, and some of them are featured in this book. Dr Kosoko-Lasaki has 3 children of her own and 3 step-children. She is fluent in Yoruba and Pigeon English.

Dr. Olivier runs a full-time solo private glaucoma referral practice in the city and suburbs of Chicago at the Midwest Glaucoma Center, PC. She has always enjoyed teaching as a Clinical Assistant Professor affiliated with John H. Stroger, Jr Hospital of Cook County and St. James Osteopathic Hospital, and felt the need to educate young ophthalmologists. She is the only Black female glaucoma-trained EYE MD in the City of Chicago. Dr. Olivier is a first generation Haitian American. She is proud of the heritage that her parents (Oswald and Solanges) have instilled in her. She enjoys traveling and has been involved in Haitian mission trips to Haiti, West Indies with various non-profit organizations. Her current passion is serving on the steering committee for the development of the Du Sable Park, named after the Haitian Jean Baptiste Pointe Du Sable, the only Black who founded a major city in the United States. Dr. Olivier speaks French and Creole. She enjoys media opportunities to continue to educate the public about glaucoma.

Dr. Burney is in full-time academic practice, as Director of the Glaucoma Service for the University Hospitals of Cleveland, Director of the VAMC Ophthalmology services for northeast Ohio, and a Professor of Ophthalmology at Case Medical School. He is the only Black fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist in the tri-state area. He was one of the first of 2 Black residents admitted to the program; however, he is proud of the 14 African American residents he has mentored through the program since he joined the faculty.

He is married to Alicia Weathers; they have 4 children, all college graduates. He is active in his church and the community (speaking on both health and non health-related issues). His hobbies include weight training, jogging, listening to a variety of music (including some rap!), movies, traveling, and career mentoring students of all ages.