The HelpMeSee Board of Directors has officially appointed Doug May as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. May, who previously served as the organization’s chief operating officer, steps into the role to lead HelpMeSee’s mission of transforming global eye care through aviation-inspired simulation training.
Jersey City-based HelpMeSee was founded on the innovative premise that the rigorous training methods developed for commercial aviation could be successfully adapted to surgical training. May brings an extensive background in high-stakes training environments to the role, having begun his career as an experimental test pilot. He previously served as executive vice president of operations and partner relationships at FlightSafety International—the renowned aviation training company pioneered by HelpMeSee co-founder Al Ueltschi—and held leadership roles at Textron Aviation, Bell Helicopter, and Bombardier. He joined HelpMeSee in 2025.
With roughly 100 million people worldwide blind or visually impaired due to cataracts, HelpMeSee is the leading organization working to eradicate preventable cataract blindness. The organization utilizes Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS), a cost-effective, high-quality procedure designed to restore sight efficiently in developing regions.
To scale this care, HelpMeSee employs an advanced training curriculum that mirrors pilot instruction:
- Immersive Technology: Combines photorealistic, high-fidelity virtual reality simulators with realistic haptic feedback technology.
- Competency-Based Learning: Trainees complete comprehensive eLearning and practice each surgical step hundreds of times with objective performance assessments.
- Global Footprint: The organization currently operates more than 40 simulators and 19 training centers worldwide, partnering with governments, universities, and health innovators.
“Doug has demonstrated outstanding operational leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to our mission since joining our executive leadership team,” Jim Ueltschi, co-founder and chairman of HelpMeSee said. “The Board of Directors is confident that under Doug’s leadership, HelpMeSee will continue to rapidly expand its simulation-based surgical training programs globally and accelerate our efforts to end cataract blindness worldwide.”
Reflecting on his new role, May emphasized the powerful parallel between aviation safety and surgical excellence.
“Simulation transformed aviation training by giving people the opportunity to develop and demonstrate critical skills before lives depended on them,” May said. “HelpMeSee is applying that same fundamental principle to cataract surgical training. Our opportunity is to work with partners around the world to equip more cataract specialists with the skills and confidence they need to restore sight in their own communities.”
