We have been investigating the best way to use the Fund – how and where it will be most effective. The uses we have identified so far are:
1. Cataract Camps in, for example, Ethiopia, where a field camp is set up for two/three weeks and a team of doctors performs as many cataract operations as time allows.
2. There is often a need in a struggling third world country clinic for a vital piece of equipment. We would probably opt to send this out with a doctor who can ensure its safe passage and instruct in its use if required.
3. UK Ophthalmologists are now instructed in phaco cataract surgery. In undeveloped countries, however, the older method of non-phaco cataract surgery is still used. It is important therefore that any doctors who travel to these countries are instructed in this method if they are to be effective. We can fund doctors to go to an established clinic in an undeveloped country, learn this method, spend time helping the resident doctor perform operations, and possibly do some research about what is best needed in these countries.
We are pleased to report that the following trips were funded in 2009:
• Swaziland
Dr Jonathan Ross (Specialist Registrar in Ophthalmology, Glasgow) and Sarah Ross (Staff Nurse in Ophthalmology, Glasgow). 3 weeks surgery and research to:
The Swaziland CBM Eye Care Programme
Director Mr Jono Pons
Mabuda, Siteki, Swaziland
• Ethiopia
Dr Suzannah Drummond (Specialist Registrar in Ophthalmology, West of Scotland rotation) accompanied 4 Glasgow and Edinburgh based Consultant Ophthalmologists to a 10 day field camp 2 hours drive from the capital Addis Ababa.
• Tanzania
Dr Fook Chang Lam (Specialist Registrar in Ophthalmology, West of Scotland Region) to:Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT)disability hospital, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania for 3 weeks to learn non-phaco cataract surgery under the supervision of Dr Tim Lavy and to assist in surgery and research
in 2010:
- Ethiopia Dr Heather Russell (Specialist Registrar in Ophthalmology, West of Scotland rotation) - to a 10 day field 'Cataract' camp in Arba Minch Ethiopia.
- Tanzania Dr Taha Y. Ahmed (Specialist Registrar in Ophthalmology, West of Scotland rotation) - Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT) Hospital, Eye department, Dar Al Salam,Tanzania
- Malawi Dr Shyamanga Boorah (Specialist Registrar in Ophthalmology, Edinburgh, (SE Scotland registrar rotation) - Nkhoma hospital, Malawi
- Nigeria Dr. Rosie Brennan (Consultant Ophthalmologist, Western Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland) - ECWA Eye hospital, Kano, Nigeria.
- Swaziland Dr Conrad Schmoll (Specialist Registrar, Edinburgh) - Good Hope hospital, Swaziland
In 2011
- Dr John Murdoch, Dr Harold Bennet, Dr Isabella Mitrut, Dr Simon Hewitt, Dr Alan Cox. Nurses Ergate Ayana, Veronica Stewart, Fiona Freeland, Diane Harrison, Moira MacLaughlin - 10 day cataract surgery, new clinic, Dembi Dollo, Ethiopia
Reports of these trips can be found on the 'Reports' page.
It gives the family great comfort to be able to support this valuable work in Fiona's name. Keep supporting us!
