HelpMeSee Company Profile

Background

Mission: Restore vision to people living with severe visual impairment and blindness due to cataract worldwide.

Vision: To be the world leader of innovative and scalable surgical eyecare simulation-based training solutions.

HelpMeSee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating cataract-induced blindness through innovative, simulation-based surgical training. Founded in 2010 by Albert L. Ueltschi and his son Jim, the organization leverages advanced technology to address the global shortage of skilled cataract surgeons, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 90% of vision loss occurs.

Key Strategic Focus

HelpMeSee's strategic focus centers on advancing global cataract care through innovative, scalable, and technology-driven surgical simulation training. The organization emphasizes product innovation, eye surgery simulation-based training, and partnership channels to improve surgical performance and patient outcomes.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, HelpMeSee relies on donations and grants to fund its operations. In December 2022, the organization announced a collaboration with Intel Corporation, which provided additional funding and access to technology to enhance HelpMeSee's virtual-reality eye surgery simulator.

Pipeline Development

HelpMeSee has developed a suite of simulation-based training programs, including:

Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS): A comprehensive training program utilizing high-fidelity virtual reality technology and haptic feedback to provide realistic, immersive training experiences.

Phacoemulsification Simulation-based Training Course (PSTC): Launched in April 2023, this five-day instructor-led course teaches essential skills for phacoemulsification and suturing.

Suturing Simulation-based Training Course (SSTC): Focuses on developing precise suturing techniques through simulation-based training.

Complications Management Course (CMC): Introduced in April 2022, this one-day, instructor-led course teaches essential skills for managing complications that can arise during surgery.

These programs are designed to build competency, reduce training time, and improve surgical outcomes compared to traditional methods.

Technological Platform and Innovation

HelpMeSee's technological platform is distinguished by its high-fidelity, physics-based virtual reality (VR) simulator with realistic haptic feedback. This simulation-based training system is a breakthrough in standardized, task-based medical education, allowing trainees to practice surgical steps to perfection in a virtual environment without risks to live patients. The simulator covers full procedural training in MSICS, phacoemulsification, complications management, and suturing.

Leadership Team

Dr. Bonnie An Henderson, President and CEO: Appointed in 2023, Dr. Henderson is a renowned ophthalmologist with extensive experience in cataract surgery and education.

Dan Thorpe, Chief of Marketing and Development: Joined in July 2022, Thorpe brings a track record of mobilizing communities and delivering growth, with previous leadership roles at the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

Leadership Changes

In September 2020, Saro Jahani was appointed as President and CEO, succeeding Jacob Mohan Thazhathu, who retired after ten years of dedicated service. Jahani, a veteran in software delivery and management, led the development of the Eye Surgery Simulator.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting over 100 million people. The demand for cataract surgery is increasing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to skilled surgeons is limited. Simulation-based training offers a scalable solution to address this shortage.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the field include:

Orbis International: Focuses on training eye care professionals and providing eye care services through its Flying Eye Hospital.

SightLife: Specializes in corneal transplantation and training eye bank technicians and surgeons.

Seva Foundation: Provides eye care services and training programs in underserved communities.

While these organizations contribute significantly to global eye care, HelpMeSee's unique approach of utilizing high-fidelity VR simulation for cataract surgery training sets it apart in the industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

HelpMeSee has established significant collaborations to strengthen its market position and expand capabilities:

Intel Corporation: In December 2022, Intel provided funding and technology to enhance HelpMeSee's VR eye surgery simulator, increasing its power and mobility.

USAID American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Initiative: In July 2023, ASHA provided funding to deploy two HelpMeSee eye surgery simulators at the Mumbai Centre of Excellence for Simulation-Based Training, aiming to train 100 new cataract specialists in India.

University Partnerships: In January 2025, HelpMeSee partnered with the University of Southern California (USC)/LA General Medical Center and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to establish two new simulation-based surgical training centers, providing residents access to the HelpMeSee Simulation-based Eye Surgery Training Program.

Operational Insights

HelpMeSee's strategic considerations include:

Scalability: The simulation-based training model allows for the rapid scaling of cataract surgeon training, addressing the global shortage effectively.

Technology Integration: Collaborations with technology partners like Intel enhance the organization's training platforms, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation.

Global Reach: Partnerships with universities and healthcare institutions worldwide expand HelpMeSee's training footprint, enabling access to diverse populations in need.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

HelpMeSee's strategic roadmap includes:

Expansion of Training Programs: Developing additional simulation-based courses to cover a broader range of ophthalmic procedures.

Technological Advancements: Continuously enhancing the VR simulator's capabilities to provide more realistic and comprehensive training experiences.

Increased Partnerships: Forging new collaborations with governments, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations to expand training centers globally.

Advocacy and Awareness: Raising global awareness about cataract blindness and the importance of simulation-based training in addressing the crisis.