Oculoplastic surgeon Shannath Merbs shares her expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, orbit, and face. Dr. Merbs is a Professor of ophthalmology and Visual Science at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine. Dr. Merbs is an Oculoplastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, orbit and face. The discussion in this episode is in two parts. In the first half of the conversation we focus on Dr. Merbs’s surgical practice in Baltimore. The second part we dive into her research and heroic efforts to treat patients with an eye condition called Trachoma, the most common cause of blindness from infection. Blindness occurs after years of repeated infections. The eyelashes turn inward and rub the eye until the cornea turns white and the individual loses their sight. More than 2 million people are at risk. Surgery is the only cure. Dr. Merbs performs life altering surgeries in Africa and invented a surgical instrument to improve the outcome of the surgery. Our disclosure is that  our co-host Beth Glassman is Dr. Merbs’ surgical patient and her hero. Stay tuned for the next new episode of It Happened To Me! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”. It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Steve Holsonback is our media engineer and co-producer. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our marketing lead and co-producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.