International Programs
Preventing Blindness Around the World
The Proctor Foundation was founded in 1947 for the specific aim of eradicating trachoma worldwide. Since then, it has evolved into a major research and teaching unit at UCSF, with the Foundation's goal remaining the prevention and treatment of blindness worldwide. The International Programs division carries forward this original mission, focused on blindness-prevention research and care across continents.
Our Work by Region
Worldwide
The Proctor Foundation conducts global research to prevent blindness and improve public health, with studies across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Focused on trachoma, uveitis, and infectious keratitis, Proctor delivers impactful, evidence-based solutions worldwide.
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Continent
The Proctor Foundation leads impactful research in Ethiopia, Niger, Burkina Faso, and The Gambia focused on eliminating trachoma and reducing child mortality. Through clinical trials like MORDOR and PRET, Proctor delivers scalable public health solutions in partnership with local and international teams.
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Continent
In Asia, Proctor conducts pioneering studies across India, Nepal, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. Research focuses on fungal and bacterial keratitis, CMV retinitis, uveitis therapies, and glaucoma screening. Collaborations with hospitals like Aravind and Chiang Mai University help bring vision-saving care to underserved regions.
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Continent
In the United States, Proctor leads multicenter clinical trials on uveitis, macular edema, and ocular inflammation. Studies such as FAST, MUST, POINT, and DIP advance diagnostics and treatment, in collaboration with academic and community partners nationwide.
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Continent
Proctor's work in South America includes the Trachoma mHealth Study in the Peruvian Amazon, integrating mobile vision screening into community health efforts. These innovations aim to improve eye care access and eliminate neglected tropical diseases.
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Funding & Support
Research at the UCSF Proctor Foundation is made possible through generous support from our partners and funding agencies, whose contributions enable groundbreaking work in global eye health and infectious disease research.
Funding innovative vision research worldwide.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Supporting global health equity and infectious disease control.
Resource Allocation Program (RAP)
UCSF-sponsored internal grant program for pilot studies and innovation.
Advancing research to understand, prevent, and treat vision loss.
Investing in breakthroughs in vision science and patient care.
Supporting cutting-edge research in global health and ophthalmology.
International Collaborators
Proctor partners with leading institutions worldwide. Hover over a marker to see the institution; click for details on faculty and projects. This map is updated as new partnerships are confirmed.