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Luxme Hariharan, MD, Division Chief

expertise

clinical interests include strabismus (eye muscle misalignment), amblyopia (lazy eye) and other comprehensive pediatric visual disorders

bio

Dr. Luxme Hariharan is the chief of ophthalmology and chief population health officer at Dayton Children’s Hospital. As an accomplished global researcher and child health advocate, Dr. Hariharan has a passion for international health that is deeply rooted in her own background. Born in Hyderabad, India, she grew up in Nairobi, Kenya; Dayton, Ohio, Iowa City, Iowa; and eventually, Madison, Wisconsin. As part of University of Wisconsin’s competitive medical scholar program, she majored in Spanish & Caribbean studies and biology, and during her senior year, she studied abroad in the Dominican Republic and Haiti to research childhood malnutrition.

She completed a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL, and an additional fellowship in Pediatric Cornea, Cataract, and Glaucoma and International health at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA). Her ophthalmology residency was completed at the University of Pennsylvania Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA and she earned her preliminary year in Pediatrics at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY. She also holds a Masters of Public Health degree emphasizing global and child health policy from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Her life and career passion is to create and scale effective programs & policies to prevent, diagnose and to clinically and surgically treat childhood vision disorders both locally and abroad. Specifically, she has experience in policy, advocacy and governance, working with Ministries of health on the implementation of childhood blindness prevention programs in El Salvador, Argentina, Niger, the Dominican Republic, India, Guatemala and Puerto Rico. She most recently worked in Mexico, India and South Africa on blindness prevention programs, as well in Geneva, Switzerland with the World Health Organization. She has vast experience working across disciplines including the private sector, academics, hospitals, Non-profits the United Nations and Ministries of Health to create systems solutions to eliminate childhood blindness.

education and training

medical school: University of Wisconsin and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

internship: SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY

residency: University of Pennsylvania Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA

fellowship: Pediatric Ophthalmology fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL and an additional fellowship in Pediatric Cornea, Cataract and Glaucoma and International health at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA)

board certification:  American Board of Ophthalmology

awards, honors and organizations

awards and honors

  • Nicklaus Children’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task force and Champion
  • 2021 Selected as one of 30 women Nationally to participate in the Stanford Global Health Women’s Lift Leadership Cohort to recognize leaders in global health
  • 2020 Nicklaus Children’s Patient Experience Award winner
  • 2019 Nicklaus Children’s Young Ambassador Program Grant Recipient: Ophthalmology Division
  • 2018 Selected as one of 300 Top Women Leaders in Global Health from The Graduate Institute of Geneva Global Health Program
  • 2018 Selected to speak at the University of Wisconsin Alumni “Talks on the town” on work in Blindness Prevention
  • 2017 Selected as top 100 Alumni from the University of Wisconsin to be featured in a photo tribute in the Inaugural Alumni Park. Madison, WI July 2017
  • 2015 Selected as one of 30 National Finalists for the White House Fellows Program, Washington DC, June 2015
  • 2015 American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation Resident & Fellow Award winner
  • 2014 Selected as one of 7 nationally for The University of Wisconsin Alumni Foundation “Forward under 40“ award (to honor UW grads under the age of 40 who are making an impact in the state, nation and beyond)
  • 2014 Selected as one of 30 National Finalists for the White House Fellows Program, Washington DC
  • 2014 Selected as American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) National Meeting, “Best Fellow Oral Presentation Award”, Palm Springs, CA
  • 2014 Selected as AAPOS Advocacy Ambassador to represent AAPOS on Capital Hill in Washington DC
  • 2014 Raab Veneble Research Award Recipient, National Medical Association Ophthalmology Section, Honolulu, Hawaii
  • 2012 Invited Speaker, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness 9th General Assembly, Hyderabad, India
  • 2012 Selected as a Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
  • Advocacy Ambassador for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Mid- Year Forum: (Participating in congressional advocacy day and lobbying for AAO on the hill in Washington DC, April, 2012)
  • 2012 National Medical Association Ophthalmology Section Raab Veneble Research Program oral presentation, New Orleans, LA.
  • 2011 Elected Chair of FOCUS section for women residents and fellows at University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Global Health Tract (Initiated the first Ophthalmology chapter)
  • 2008 Gold Humanism Honor Society (for leadership and service)
  • 2008 Compassion in Action International Health Award (for 4th year medical students who excel in international and public health)
  • 2006 McGovern Tracy Dept. of Family Medicine Award (for community
  • Service)
  • 2006 Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association Student Award (for leadership and scholarship)
  • 2006 Duke University Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy Global Health Fellow Award (selected as 1 of 12 medical students in the country to intern at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland)
  • 2005 Harry Shapiro Summer Research Award (to research tobacco control at the WHO: Tobacco Free Initiative)
  • 2005 Community Service and Student Leadership Award (for 1st year Medical Students)
  • 2005-2006 Elected Chair of the International Health Committee of the American Medical Association (AMA)
  • 2004 Student Commencement Speaker at the University of Wisconsin Graduation (for over 15,000 graduates and their families)
  • 2004 Undergraduate Excellence Award in Leadership, Scholarship, and Service
  • 2004 University Book Store Award for Outstanding Independent Research (for senior honors thesis on health disparities)
  • 2004 Multicultural Student Center Leadership Award (for volunteer work in India)
  • 2004 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Outstanding Student Award
  • 2004 Golden Key National Honors Society
  • 2000-2004 Deans Honors List (8 Semesters)
  • 2003 Spitzer Wisconsin State Legislature Internship Award (for health policy)
  • 2003 Presidential Service Award, Martin Luther King Day of Service

 

organizations

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): Member & Appointed to Global Health and Outreach Committee, 2015
  • American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS): Member & Appointed to the Legislative Committee, 2014

publications

research activities

My research interests include public health and policy measures to eliminate avoidable childhood blindness both locally and abroad. Specifically, my aim is to help design and implement effective and sustainable government policies, legislation, community programs and advocacy initiatives to improve screening, early detection and treatment of childhood vision disorders. I have worked on childhood blindness prevention programs locally in Madison, WI, Philadelphia, PA, Miami, FL and Los Angeles, CA and worldwide in Argentina, El Salvador, Niger, India, The Philippines and Mexico. My work has led me to foster collaborations and unite diverse stakeholders such as Universities, Ministries of Health, Non Governmental Organization’s, UNICEF and the World Health Organization, with the common mission of eliminating avoidable causes of childhood blindness. My ultimate career goal is to fiercely advocate for children worldwide making sure that every child, no matter what zip code or country they may be born in, has the opportunity to develop his or her full visual potential and beyond.

 

peer-reviewed publications  

1. Hariharan L, et al, “ Reducing Childhood Blindness from Retinopathy of Prematurity through Policy, Advocacy and International Collaboration”, Journal of Health Policy and Planning, May, 2018

2. Hariharan, L, et al, “ Policy, Regulation and Advocacy in Global Eye Banking: A Best Practice Guide with Tools & Strategies”, SightLife Global Programs, June, 2018

3. Subburaman GB, Hariharan L, Ravilla TD, Ravilla RD, and Kempen JH, “Demand for Tertiary Eye Care Services in Developing Countries”, American Journal of Ophthalmology, 2015. Oct; 160(4): 619-27.

4. Daubert J, Hariharan L, Pasol J, McKewon C, and Cavuoto K, “Ocular Neuromyotonia Noted after Recent Botulunimum Toxin Injection for Sixth Nerve Palsy Following Resection of a Posterior Fossa Skull Base Meningioma”, Neuro-Ophthalmology Online Case Report, November, 2014.

5. Mehta S, Hariharan L, Ho AC, Kempen JH. “Peripapillary choroidal neovascularization in pars planitis” Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection 2013, 3:13.

6. Frick KD, Hariharan L, Repka MX, Chandler D, Melia BM, Beck RW, for the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group “Cost Effectiveness of Alternative Approaches to Managing Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Infants: The Importance of the Spontaneous Resolution Rate”, Archives of Ophthalmology: Health Economics Section: 2011 May; 129(5): 603-9.

7. Struck MC, Hariharan L, Kushner BJ, Bradfield Y, Hetzel S. “Surgical management of clinically significant hypertropia associated with exotropia”, Journal of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (J AAPOS). 2010 Jun; 14(3): 216-20.

8. Kushner BK and Hariharan L, “Observations About Objective and Subjective Ocular Torsion”, Ophthalmology. 2009 Oct; 116 (10): 2001-10.

9. McElroy, J, Remington PL, Gangnon R, Hariharan, L, Anderson L, “Identifying Geographic Disparities in the Early Detection of Breast Cancer Using a Geographic Information System”, Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health Research Practice and Policy, Center for Disease Control (CDC), 2006 Jan; 3(1).

10. Reyes, S. Hariharan L, “ Estudio Comparative de la situation de desnutricion en ninos menores de cinco anos en dos Instituciones en el provincia de Santiago Repubica Dominincana, Augusto-Dcciembre, 2003”, (Comparative Study on malnourished children under five years of age from two institutions in Santiago, Dominican Republic, August- December, 2003) Santiago Public Health Department Annual Report, 2004. Pg 6-9.

 

book chapters published

 “ Foundations for Global Health Practice” edited by Lori DiPrete Brown PhD Global Perspectives chapter entitled:” The Global Burden of Avoidable Childhood Blindness: A Problem that Extends Beyond Just Sight “ Authored By: Luxme Hariharan MD MPH

“ Disabling & Blinding Visual Disorders” submitted by Luxme Hariharan MD MPH; Chapter lead author for the 16th edition of the Maxcy-Rosenau-Last Public Health and Preventive Medicine textbook March, 2021, HARIHARAN, L Chief Editor of Book Chapter on Visual Disorders in the text book: 16th edition of Maxcy-Rosenau-Last Public Health & Preventive Medicine, published by McGraw Hill 

American Academy of Ophthalmology articles on global childhood blindness prevention and diversity, equity and inclusion

 

invited presentation 

1. Hariharan, L, “ Advocacy, Legislation, Leadership and Policy in Global Ophthalmology”, The Wisconsin Idea Lecture Series: Wednesday night at the LAB, Madison, WI, February 27th, 2019

2. Hariharan, L, “ Creating Standards, Guidelines and Policies in Eye Banking”, Mexican Eye Banking Congress, Mexico City, Mexico, January 25-28th, 2019

3. Hariharan L, “The Global Burden of Pediatric Cataract: Not Merely a Mini Adult”; Invited Speaker to the International Council of Ophthalmology, World Ophthalmology Congress, June 14-18, Barcelona, Spain, 2018

4. Hariharan L, “Preventing Corneal Blindness in Mexico through Policy, Advocacy and International Collaboration”, Invited Speaker to the 2nd Annual World Eye Banking Symposium, June 14- 15, Barcelona, Spain, 2018

5. Hariharan L, “Reducing Childhood Blindness from Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Argentina through Policy, Advocacy and International Collaboration”; Oral presentation at the University of Wisconsin Global Health Symposium, Madison, WI, April 10, 2018

6. Hariharan L. and Cherwek DH; “ Co- Chairs of the Global Ophthalmology Symposium on Corneal Blindness Prevention Worldwide”; The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO); New Orleans, LA, October, 2017

7. Hariharan L, “Reducing Childhood Blindness from Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Argentina through Policy, Advocacy, and International Collaboration”; Poster Presentation at the 4th World Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Congress, Cancun, Mexico, August 31st – September 2nd, 2017

8. Hariharan L, “Improving Corneal Eye Banking Infrastructure and Transplantation in Mexico through Policy, Leadership and International Collaboration” Oral Presentation, Pan American Academy of Ophthalmology (PAAO), Lima, Peru, August 9-12th, 2017 and Oral Presentation at the Mexican Cornea Congress, Cancun, Mexico, September, 2017

9. Hariharan L, “Fundus Photography and Fluorescein Angiography after Off-label Intravitreal Bevacizumab Treatment for ROP and measures in eliminating Childhood

Blindness in Latin America”, Grand Rounds Presentation, El Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmologia I.A.P, Queretaro, Mexico, May 29, 2017

10. Hariharan L, “Advocacy, Legislation and Policy for eliminating childhood blindness in Latin America”, 2015 Global Forum: Pediatric Ophthalmology Challenges and Innovations in Resource Poor Countries, Las Vegas, Nevada, October, 2015

11. Hariharan L, Contractor D, and Reiser BJ, “Using Anterior Segment Imaging as a Guide for the Management of Pediatric Corneal Opacities”, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA), USC Eye Institute, AAPOS Poster Presentation, New Orleans, LA, March 2015

12. Hariharan L and Ramsey J, “Advocacy and Social Media”, AAPOS Legislative Committee Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March, 2015

13. Hariharan L et al, “An Alternative Surgical Treatment to Torsional Diplopia Secondary to Bilateral Superior Oblique Palsy”, Oral Presentation, Wright Foundation International Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (IPOS) VI” Just Strabismus”, Chicago, IL, October, 2014

14. Hariharan L, Rachitskaya et al, “ Serial Fundus Photography and Fluorescein Angiography after Off-label Intravitreal Bevacizumab Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) ”, Oral Presentation at AAPOS National Meeting, Palm Springs, CA, April, 2014, Poster Presentation, American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Chicago IL, October, 2014, and Oral presentation National Medical Association – Ophthalmology Section, Honolulu, HI, August, 2014

15. Hariharan L, et al, “An Epidemic of Blindness due to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Argentina: A Mixed Methods Study of Policy, Legislation, implementation and international collaboration”, Poster Presentation, Consortium of Universities for Global Health Annual Conference: Advancing Global Health in the Post MDG Era”, Washington DC, May, 2014

16. Hariharan L. Quinn, G. Gilbert C et al, “Epidemic of ROP Blindness in Argentina: A Case study of policy, legislation and international collaboration” Poster presentation at American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus (AAPOS) Annual Conference, Boston, April 2013

17. Hariharan L. “International Experiences during your Residency”, American Academy of Ophthalmology Young Ophthalmology International Health Section: Chicago, IL, November 10-11 2012

18. Hariharan L, “Puentes de Salud and Common Eye conditions affecting the Latino community”, Philadelphia Mexican Consulate/Embassy, Philadelphia, PA, April, 2012

19. Hariharan L, Frick, K. et al, “Cost Effectiveness of Alternative Approaches to Managing Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Infants: The Importance of the Spontaneous

Resolution Rate”, Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium, Williamsburg, VA, August, 2012

20. Hariharan L, Kempen JH et al, “Developing Tertiary Eye Care Centers Toward the Goal of Alleviating Global Blindness: The Aravind Eye Care System as a Case Study”, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness 9th General Assembly Hyderabad, India, September, 2012

21. Hariharan L, Bradfield Y, Kushner B and Struck M, “Surgical Management of Clinically Significant Hypertropia Associated with Exotropia” Presented at the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) meeting in San Francisco, CA, April, 2009

22. Hariharan L, West, SK, Abdou A, “Reported Child Face Washing Frequency of Mothers Randomized to a Water and Hygiene Intervention in Trachoma Endemic Villages in Maradi, Niger.” Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health Framework Award Recipient, Baltimore, MD, September 25, 2008

23. Hariharan L “Combat Blindness Foundation New Initiative in Mysore, India”

Global Health Symposium, Center of Global Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, in Madison, WI November, 2005

24. Vestal G, Hariharan L, Bettcher D. “Creating New Global Standards in Tobacco Product Regulation” Smoke Free Wisconsin Conference, Madison, WI, December 2005.

 

get to know me

I chose my specialty because...

I know I was brought into this world to be a fierce, relentless, compassionate, and loving advocate for children. My passion is to make sure that every child no matter where they are born has the ability to develop his, her or their full visual potential and beyond. I want every child to be able to enjoy the wonders of the world from sunrises to sunsets, to rainbows after a thunderstorm. It is my life's mission to be a champion for children, not only their vision but their overall health and wellness.

I like working with kids because

They don't make "work" feel like "work". They are pure joy, innocence and love all in one. We only have 24 hours in a day and I love going to bed at night knowing that I spent the majority of those hours helping to make the lives of children better. I am a champion for their eye health, their wellbeing so they can thrive and reach their full potential.

Dayton Children's is special because...

The moment you walk in the doors it feels like family immediately, everyone is so kind and caring. It is like the TV show Cheers," Where everybody knows your name". We are one family that goes above and beyond for every child. You can feel that energy the moment you walk in the door.

I chose to work at Dayton Children's because...

It is a homecoming for me and full circle in my life. Dayton was our family's Ellis Island and was extremely welcoming to my entire family. My great-aunt ( my grandmother's sister) moved here in 1970 and started the Geriatrics Program at Wright State Medical School in the Veterans Administration (VA). She was the first female physician in our family and sponsored my parents and all of my relatives to come to the United States. I was born in Hyderabad India, then moved to Nairobi Kenya, and then to Dayton, Ohio in 1984. I lived with my great aunt ( in Tamil we call her Chithi) in Kettering for 2 years and went to Montessori school here ( on Bigger Road)from age 2-4 before moving to Iowa and Wisconsin. I had my second-year birthday party in the same house my Chithi lives in now where I recently celebrated my 41st birthday, in the same room, with many of the same family friends. It is an honor for me to be able to come back to Dayton and serve the children of this community where my entire family has roots. I am truly grateful to come home here.

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