HelpMeSee Appoints Doug May as New CEO to Advance Cataract Surgery Training

HelpMeSee Appoints Doug May as President and CEO

In a significant move aimed at reshaping the approach to cataract surgery training, HelpMeSee announced the appointment of Doug May as its new President and Chief Executive Officer on October 1, 2026. Transitioning from his previous role as Chief Operating Officer at HelpMeSee, May has a strong background in aviation training and leadership, stemming from his time at FlightSafety International, where he honed the principles of rigorous training in high-stakes environments.

HelpMeSee, a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating cataract blindness, has formulated its training methods based on successful aviation practices. With nearly 100 million people worldwide affected by cataracts leading to visual impairment or blindness, May is set to lead the organization in refining and expanding its Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) training programs. The organization’s innovative training combines high-fidelity virtual reality simulators with competency-based learning, a method inspired by commercial aviation training.

During his tenure at FlightSafety International as Executive Vice President of Operations and Partner Relations, May oversaw a network of training centers and developed strong partnerships, which he aims to replicate at HelpMeSee. His experience includes leadership roles at Textron Aviation, Bell Helicopter, and Bombardier. His expertise is expected to enhance HelpMeSee's capabilities in delivering high-quality training to more cataract specialists around the world.

Jim Ueltschi, Co-Founder and President of HelpMeSee, expressed confidence in May’s leadership. “Since Doug joined our executive team, he has shown exceptional operational leadership, strong strategic vision, and a great commitment to our mission. The Board of Directors believes that under Doug’s leadership, HelpMeSee will rapidly expand its global surgical training programs and expedite our efforts to eliminate cataract blindness worldwide,” he stated.

Doug May shared his vision for HelpMeSee, emphasizing the transformative impact of simulation in aviation training, stating, "The opportunity lies in working with partners around the globe to train more cataract specialists with the skills and confidence they need to restore sight within their communities."

HelpMeSee’s training model facilitates students in learning contraction through extensive online programs followed by hands-on simulation practice, allowing them to repeat each surgical step multiple times under the guidance of instructors before moving to clinical settings. This leads to faster competency compared to traditional educational methods.

The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments and educational institutions, to combat the global cataract blindness crisis. Since its inception by Al and Jim Ueltschi, HelpMeSee has firmly established itself as a pioneer in cataract surgery training, utilizing proven methods from commercial aviation.

As May steps into his new role, he is determined to ensure the training developed for cataract surgery reflects the systematic preparation found in aviation, ultimately aiming to provide practitioners with effective skills that save and restore sight to countless individuals.

HelpMeSee continues to operate over 40 simulators across 19 training sites globally, providing individuals with the opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of cataract surgery while improving outcomes through advanced training.

For further information, visit HelpMeSee. Amanda Kronberg, HelpMeSee’s Marketing Director, can be reached at 720-220-9882 for inquiries regarding this appointment.