Doug May Takes the Helm as CEO of HelpMeSee to Combat Cataract Blindness

Doug May Takes Leadership Role at HelpMeSee

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – HelpMeSee, a pioneering nonprofit organization focused on eradicating cataract-related blindness, has officially announced the appointment of Doug May as its new President and CEO, effective September 16, 2026. May's extensive background in aviation training, particularly as the former Chief Operating Officer at HelpMeSee, positions him perfectly to drive the organization's mission forward.

A Visionary Leader with Aviation Roots

Doug May brings a wealth of experience to HelpMeSee. His career began as an experimental test pilot, a role that shaped his understanding of rigorous training protocols and the importance of measurable skills in high-stakes environments. May joined HelpMeSee in 2025, having come from FlightSafety International, a leader in aviation training whose methodologies greatly inspire HelpMeSee’s innovative approach to surgical education.

As CEO, May expressed his honor in leading HelpMeSee, stating, "The simulation has revolutionized aviation training, allowing individuals to develop and practice essential skills before lives are at stake. I am excited to apply this fundamental principle to cataract surgery training." With over 100 million people worldwide suffering from blindness or visual impairment due to cataracts, his commitment to enhancing surgical training through advanced simulation is timely.

Innovative Training Techniques

HelpMeSee employs a state-of-the-art training system that merges high-fidelity photorealistic virtual reality simulators with realistic haptic technology. This combination is designed to train surgeons in small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), an effective and cost-efficient procedure for restoring sight. The training program begins with comprehensive online education followed by extensive hands-on simulator practice, allowing trainees to repeat surgical steps numerous times. They receive objective evaluations and personalized feedback from experienced instructors, fostering mastery of the techniques more quickly than traditional training methods would allow.

Jim Ueltschi, co-founder and chair of HelpMeSee, praised Doug’s exceptional operational leadership and strategic vision. He noted that the board is confident that, under Doug's direction, the organization will significantly expand its surgical simulation training programs globally and ramp up efforts to eradicate cataract blindness.

Push Towards Global Initiatives

HelpMeSee's mission is to collaborate with partners worldwide to train more cataract specialists who can effectively restore sight in their own communities. With Doug at the helm, the organization aims to bolster its partnerships, engage with universities, and foster innovation in the fight against cataract blindness.

In his previous role at FlightSafety International, Doug May was instrumental as the Executive Vice President of Operations and Partner Relations, overseeing a network of training centers and enhancing partnerships. His drive to implement immersive technologies in pilot training propelled advancements that are now being adapted in the medical field through HelpMeSee.

As he embarks on this new journey, Doug is determined to bring the same level of transformation to cataract surgery training that he fostered in aviation. “Our goal is to arm professionals worldwide with the skills and confidence necessary to give sight back to those within their communities,” he shared.

About HelpMeSee

Founded on the principle that aviation safety training methodologies can greatly benefit cataract surgery education, HelpMeSee is dedicated to eradicating blindness caused by cataracts through its specialized training system. With more than 40 simulators and 19 training centers globally, HelpMeSee works tirelessly to combat the global cataract blindness crisis by partnering with governmental bodies and educational institutions.

For more information about HelpMeSee and their initiatives, please visit helpmesee.org.

Amanda Kronberg | 720-220-9882 | Marketing Director, HelpMeSee