I’m Dr. Shwetha Mangalesh, and I’m passionate about advancing neonatal eye health and global health equity. My journey into this field has been shaped by a deep desire to ensure every child has the opportunity to see the world clearly, regardless of where they are born. With extensive clinical and academic training, I’ve built a career dedicated to preventing childhood blindness and creating sustainable solutions for equitable newborn eye care.

 

My story begins with my medical training at a rural hospital in India, where I first witnessed the impact of creative interventions in neonatal care. Inspired to specialize further, I completed advanced postdoctoral training at Duke University School of Medicine, where I focused on neonatal eye imaging and health technology development. My time at Duke gave me the tools to explore innovative solutions to pressing global health challenges and strengthened my belief that science and policy must work hand in hand to create lasting impact.

 

Throughout my career, I’ve worked across the United States, India, and Africa, addressing Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) through cutting-edge research, public health programs, and strategic collaborations. My work on the KIDROP initiative in India demonstrated the power of telemedicine to expand access to ROP screening in underserved areas. Building on this experience, I’ve recently focused on developing ROP programs in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, tailoring sustainable interventions to local needs.

 

What drives me is the opportunity to make a difference through innovation. I’ve been fortunate to contribute to projects, that focus on delivering affordable diagnostic tools to low-resource settings exemplifying my belief that technology, when combined with thoughtful policy and community engagement, can transform lives.

 

Currently, I’m building an online training and certification platform dedicated to advancing ROP screening and telemedicine globally. In addition, I serve as the Research Lead and Marketing Head at the EYESHA Foundation, where I collaborate with incredible teams to eliminate childhood blindness and strengthen healthcare systems across Asia and Africa.

 

My decision to pursue graduate studies in Health Policy stems from a commitment to creating systemic change. I’ve realized that while clinical and technological advances are crucial, health policy plays a pivotal role in ensuring equitable access to care. I aim to develop innovative strategies for engaging stakeholders, designing effective policies, and scaling impactful programs globally.

 

I have an unwavering commitment to health equity, a collaborative approach to solving complex challenges, and a passion for using evidence-based strategies to improve lives. I believe in creating inclusive solutions that empower communities, and I’m excited to continue this journey in graduate school.

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Outside of work, I love to travel. For me, traveling is not just an opportunity to explore new cultures but also a way to connect my passion for global health with real-world experiences. Whether I’m setting up ROP programs in Africa or collaborating on public health projects in India, my journeys enrich my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in diverse healthcare systems. Traveling fuels my curiosity and inspires my commitment to creating solutions that work across borders.

 

Thank you for visiting my page. I invite you to explore my work and connect with me as I strive to make a meaningful difference in global neonatal eye health.