Groundbreaking Training Center for Cataract Surgery Opens in Nigeria to Address Public Health Crisis

Nigeria's First Simulation-Based Cataract Surgery Training Center

A landmark initiative has been established in Nigeria to tackle the significant public health challenge posed by cataract blindness. HelpMeSee, in partnership with the Eleta Eye Institute (EEI) and Christian Blind Mission (CBM), recently inaugurated a pioneering simulation-based training center in Ibadan. This center aims to combat the growing epidemic of blindness caused by cataracts, employing the most comprehensive training program for Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) in the world.

As the country faces a staggering number of over 1.27 million individuals suffering from blindness, with nearly 40% attributed to cataracts, the urgency for effective healthcare solutions cannot be overstated. Despite having over 540 ophthalmologists and 17 training facilities, Nigeria's cataract surgery rates are alarmingly low, standing at merely 317 sight-restoring surgeries per million people annually. This figure is far below what is necessary to eliminate avoidable blindness.

Dr. Nicoletta Fynn-Thompson, the medical director of HelpMeSee, emphasized the significance of this training center as a pivotal step toward addressing the issue. “The MSICS procedure stands out as the most effective, scalable, and cost-efficient surgical option to tackle cataract-related blindness in low-resource settings. Through simulation-based training, we can equip cataract surgeons with the necessary skills and confidence to deliver high-quality eye care,” she stated.

MSICS: A Cost-Effective Surgical Solution

Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) has emerged as a practical and affordable solution for cataract surgeries, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Unlike phacoemulsification, MSICS does not require expensive machinery, electricity, or disposable products, making it an accessible technique in numerous low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. However, mastering MSICS necessitates extensive hands-on training, which is often insufficient with traditional teaching methods. The HelpMeSee simulation training program aims to bridge this gap.

Dr. BGK Ajayi, CEO of the Eleta Eye Institute and president of the Eleta Eye Foundation, remarked, “At Eleta, we go beyond just treating blindness; we are training the next generation of eye health leaders who will help prevent it.” This collaborative effort enhances the capacity to train more surgeons in MSICS, ensuring the highest surgical standards for local communities.

Utilizing the advanced HelpMeSee surgical simulator, which incorporates high-fidelity virtual reality and haptic feedback, trainees can perform hundreds of simulated MSICS procedures within a guided learning environment. This innovative approach hones their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and complication management without involving real patients.

CBM, which has been active in Nigeria for over 50 years, expressed pride in partnering with HelpMeSee and the Eleta Eye Institute in this innovative initiative. Omoi Samuel, national director for CBM in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of investing in accessible, standardized, high-quality, and scalable training solutions to eliminate cataract-related blindness. The MSICS procedure offers this potential, and the HelpMeSee simulation program guarantees the development of every cataract specialist.

Strategic Location and Lasting Impact

Situated in Ibadan, merely 130 km from Lagos, the EEI training center is strategically placed to benefit not only Nigeria but also the wider West African region. This endeavor aligns with global action plans by the WHO and IAPB aimed at enhancing access to cataract surgery and workforce development in low-income countries.

The simulation-based MSICS training is more than just a technological advancement; it represents a pressing public health necessity. With the launch of this training center, HelpMeSee, EEI, and CBM deliver a clear message: the tools to eradicate cataract blindness in Africa are within reach, and now is the time to act.

About the Organizations

HelpMeSee is a non-profit organization with a mission to end cataract blindness worldwide by enhancing training for MSICS. The organization's program involves advanced simulation technologies to ensure that communities have access to highly qualified cataract specialists. With over 40 simulators and 15 training centers globally, HelpMeSee collaborates with governments and universities to tackle the worldwide cataract blindness crisis.

Eleta Eye Institute (EEI) is an accredited training facility for ophthalmologists in Nigeria, committed to high standards of eye care and surgical training. Over the past five years, EEI has trained nine ophthalmologists and aims to increase this number significantly in the future.

Christian Blind Mission (CBM), an international organization focusing on improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, has been involved in eye health initiatives, facilitating millions of cataract surgeries worldwide. CBM's efforts in Nigeria include training health personnel to tackle avoidable blindness effectively.

Together, these organizations are poised to make a significant impact on eye health in Nigeria and beyond.