#Nigeria #HelpMeSee #Eleta Eye Institute #Christian Blind Mission #Ibadan

Addressing Cataract Blindness in Nigeria

A significant development has emerged in the field of eye health in Africa with the launch of Nigeria's first simulation-based cataract surgery training center. This initiative, a collaboration between HelpMeSee, the Eleta Eye Institute (EEI), and the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), aims to combat the severe public health issue of cataract blindness affecting over 1.27 million Nigerians. Approximately 40% of blind individuals in Nigeria suffer from cataracts, highlighting the critical need for effective surgical solutions.

Despite having more than 540 ophthalmologists and multiple training institutions, the cataract surgical rate remains alarmingly low at just 317 surgeries per one million people annually, far below necessary levels to eliminate preventable blindness. Dr. Nicoletta Fynn-Thompson, Chief Medical Officer at HelpMeSee, underscores the importance of the new training center as a pivotal step forward. She advocates for the effectiveness of Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) as a scalable and cost-effective solution to address the region’s cataract-related challenges.

The Importance of Simulation-Based Training

MSICS is distinguished as a financially viable and sutureless surgical option, making it particularly relevant in low-resource settings. Unlike phacoemulsification, which relies on expensive equipment, MSICS can be performed without expensive machines, making it more accessible. However, mastering this technique necessitates rigorous training, often lacking in traditional methods. The HelpMeSee Simulation-based Training Program aims to address this gap by providing comprehensive, hands-on training.

Dr. BGK Ajayi, CEO of the Eleta Eye Institute, emphasizes that they are not merely addressing blindness but also cultivating a new generation of eye health specialists equipped to prevent it. The collaboration with HelpMeSee enhances the capacity to train more surgeons efficiently while maintaining high surgical standards.

Training is conducted using the HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator, a sophisticated virtual reality platform offering haptic feedback. This allows trainees to engage in numerous simulated surgeries that develop crucial skills like hand-eye coordination and fine motor control without the need for patient contact.

Building a Skilled Workforce

Omoi Samuel, Country Director for CBM in Nigeria, expressed pride in this collaboration, illustrating how it aligns with their long-standing commitment to local solutions for blindness prevention. He notes the need for training that is accessible and standardized, which MSICS and the new training program provides. This initiative is expected to significantly impact surgical readiness for residents and practicing ophthalmologists, fostering an environment of safety while reducing complications.

Strategic Location and Regional Impact

Located in Ibadan, just 130 km from Lagos, the EEI Training Center is poised to serve both Nigeria and the broader West African region. The center aims to support WHO and IAPB global action plans, enhancing access to cataract surgery and workforce development in low- and middle-income countries.

The launch of the HelpMeSee Simulation-based Training Center is more than a technological advancement; it's a crucial public health initiative. It signals readiness to tackle the cataract blindness crisis across Africa, providing the essential tools and training needed to make a real difference in communities affected by this issue.

Conclusion

With millions at risk of avoidable blindness, this collaboration forms a critical response to a pressing health crisis. The innovative training at this new center is set to elevate the capabilities of both current and future eye care providers in Nigeria. By investing in sustainable training solutions, the partners involved in this initiative strive to not only restore vision but also secure a brighter future for countless individuals in need of eye care.