Dr. Anna Ells turns her passion for pediatric eye health into global initiatives— transforming lives one retina at a time
A trailblazing retina specialist, Dr. Anna Ells is dedicated to advancing pediatric retinal care. Her passion for helping the youngest retina patients and mentoring the next generation of specialists makes her an inspiring leader in the field.
Dr. Anna Ells is a clinical professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In addition to her academic role, she is a practicing clinician and clinical researcher at Calgary Retina Consultants, where she is deeply committed to advancing the field of retinal health.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Ells is a visionary advocate, co-founding TinyEyes.org alongside Dr. Michael Blair and Dr. Sarah Rodriguez. This non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) is dedicated to advancing education and pediatric eye care globally, with a mission to provide essential services and advocate for the prevention and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other pediatric eye diseases around the world.
A calling in the retina
Dr. Ells received her undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University and studied medicine at the University of Ottawa in Canada.
She has always known she wanted to be a physician, a passion she traces back to early memories. “My maternal grandfather, a physician in Scotland, greatly influenced me with stories of his extraordinary life and practice. From my first year of medical school, I recognized that my skills and personality were better suited for a surgical specialty,” she shared.
“It was during my internship that I discovered my calling in ophthalmology. The moment I saw a photograph of the retina and observed a disease unfolding before my eyes, I realized that this field of medicine was truly unique. The ability to save sight and prevent blindness, particularly in children, became a central priority in my career, solidifying my commitment to this specialty,” she continued.
Despite her busy practice, research and international outreach, Dr. Ells also proudly served in the Canadian military for seven years as a medical officer and flight surgeon.
“It not only deepened my medical skills but also taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork and resilience under pressure. I am very proud to have served my country,” she shared about her experience.
Creating a culture of care
Women in ophthalmology have long faced challenges, but they have also been key drivers of positive change within the specialty. Dr. Ells shared some of her experiences.
“Throughout my career, I have encountered unique challenges as a woman in the field, though they have often been subtle,” she expressed. “During my residency and early years as an ophthalmologist, I noticed a recurring theme: A lack of female mentorship, as most of the attending staff were male in both my residency and fellowship training. In fact, I did not have the opportunity to operate alongside another woman until I became an attending and had female residents. As I gained confidence and experience, I became more adept at communicating my needs and aspirations within my practice and the hospital environment,” she shared.
Dr. Ells also highlighted the important benefits and achievements women can make when they empower and support each other. “I have consistently prioritized creating a supportive atmosphere for my patients and my team, ensuring they feel safe, well-cared for, educated and valued. I believe that fostering this culture not only enhances patient care but also leads to the best outcomes and the highest levels of satisfaction for both patients and staff,” she enthused.
Much of Dr. Ells’ research has focused on the screening and management of ROP, and the validation of telemedicine systems for ROP. “I am particularly proud of this work, and I believe that it will contribute to the management of ROP around the world,” she said.
Dr. Ells also co-chaired the International Classification for ROP (ICROP) II Committee in 2003 and was a member of the ICROP III Committee from 2020 to 2021, which, based on evidence from
the literature, along with expert consensus opinion, creates a standard nomenclature for the classification of ROP.
This work, paired with numerous publications and presentations around the world, is one of many highlights of Dr. Ells’ career.
“My academic endeavors have been important for sharing knowledge, collaboration and friendships around the world. The people I have met, many of whom have become life-long friends, have been an invaluable highlight in my career,” she shared.
Turning knowledge into action for ROP
Along with everything she has accomplished, Dr. Ells completed the Global Health Delivery Course from Harvard University and channeled this knowledge and experience as a global thought leader in ROP—turning her passion for advocacy, education and outreach into viable and successful global initiatives.
In addition to her work with TinyEyes.org, other highlights of her international efforts include leading and participating in ROP training for ophthalmologists in China, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Brazil, Chili, Panama, South Africa and the Philippines.
As well, Dr. Ells is also a committee member of Stop Infant Blindness in Africa (SIBA), with a project focusing on the implementation of oxygen
management equipment and training in ROP diagnosis and treatment in centers of excellence in Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda.
Education and collaboration are key to this important work and were foundational in the organization of the IPOSC ROP Africa Symposium in 2018, the first ROP meeting in Africa, and included all sub-Saharan African countries, of which Dr. Ells was CoChair and Program Committee Chair.
Orbis International is widely recognized for its tremendous work in building strong and sustainable eye care systems worldwide. And Dr. Ells has proudly served as an Orbis Canada Board Member since 2022.
Words of wisdom
After treating thousands of patients over the course of a three-decade career in ophthalmology, Dr. Ells shared that one of the most rewarding things she can hear from a patient is that “they feel fully understood and truly listened to and that they believe that my team and I have provided them with care characterized by kindness and expertise. This type of feedback reassures
me that I have made a positive impact on their experience,” she shared.
“On the other hand, the most difficult feedback is when a patient expresses disappointment in their care. This signals a disconnect that I strive to address, as I always aim to ensure that my patients feel valued and supported throughout their treatment journey,” she continued.
With her extensive experience and decades-long career, Dr. Ells offered the following advice to women considering a career in medicine, ophthalmology or retina.
“I urge you to embrace your journey with dedication while keeping joy and balance at the forefront. It’s essential to acknowledge the privilege of being a physician and carry that feeling in your heart,” she shared. “Throughout our professional lives, we will encounter peaks and valleys, particularly in demanding and highstress fields. It’s vital to periodically reconnect with your core values and foster connections with others, as these relationships can provide strength, courage and renewed energy.”
Additionally, she iterated the importance of self-care. “Don’t underestimate the importance of self-care. Prioritize physical activity—it is essential for both your physical and mental well-being. Taking time for yourself is not only beneficial; it rejuvenates your spirit and enhances your capacity to support others,” she added.
Dr. Ells personally follows this advice by carving out time to enjoy Nordic skiing on some of Canada’s most picturesque trails and cycling throughout the world.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, she shared, “Remember that family and loved ones play a critical role in this journey. They provide support and inspiration, reminding you of the joy and fulfillment that come from both your personal life and career,” Dr. Ells concluded.
Editor’s Note: A version of this article was first published in PIE Magazine Issue 32.
