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

A Groundbreaking Initiative for Eye Health in Nigeria

In an important leap forward for eye care in Nigeria, HelpMeSee, in partnership with the Eleta Eye Institute (EEI) and Christian Blind Mission (CBM), has established the country's first simulation-based cataract surgery training center. This innovative facility aims to tackle the alarming cataract blindness epidemic that affects over 1.27 million people in Nigeria, where cataracts account for nearly 40% of blindness cases. With only 540 ophthalmologists and 17 training institutions serving a population of over 200 million, the need for effective training in cataract surgery is urgent.

The Need for Change

Despite having a reasonable number of trained professionals, Nigeria's cataract surgical rate (CSR) stands at a mere 317 sight-restoring surgeries per million people annually. This figure is drastically lower than the 1,000 surgeries per million considered necessary to prevent avoidable blindness. The persistent gap in surgical interventions calls for immediate actions to enhance the training and capacity of ophthalmologists across the nation.

Dr. Nicoletta Fynn-Thompson, Chief Medical Officer of HelpMeSee, emphasizes that the new training center represents a crucial step forward in this fight against unnecessary blindness. “Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) is the most effective and affordable surgical option,” she remarks. “By equipping future surgeons with the skills and confidence needed for MSICS, we can improve surgical care and outcomes in low-resource settings.”

MSICS: An Effective Solution for Low-Income Settings

MSICS stands as a gold standard for cataract surgery, particularly in low-income countries. Unlike more advanced techniques such as phacoemulsification, which require expensive machinery and materials, MSICS is designed to be performed without heavy dependence on costly resources. Consequently, it becomes a viable option for widespread outreach and surgical interventions. However, mastering MSICS requires rigorous hands-on training that conventional approaches often fail to provide. This is where HelpMeSee's simulation-based program excels.

Transforming Training Through Technology

Utilizing the HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator, a cutting-edge virtual reality platform equipped with haptic feedback, trainees will undergo extensive practice, simulating hundreds of surgeries in a risk-free environment. This approach not only enhances their practical skills but also allows them to manage potential complications effectively before operating on real patients.

Dr. BGK Ajayi, CEO of Eleta Eye Institute, highlights the dual purpose of the center: “We are not only combating blindness but also fostering a new generation of skilled ophthalmologists who will lead in preventing further cases. This collaboration allows us to significantly scale our training capacity while adhering to the highest surgical standards.”

A Strategic Location with a Broader Impact

Located in Ibadan, approximately 130 km from Lagos, the EEI Training Center is ideally situated to influence surgical capacity not just in Nigeria, but across the West African region. The initiative aligns with WHO and IAPB global action plans aimed at increasing access to cataract surgeries and improving workforce capacity in lower-middle income countries.

Omoi Samuel, Country Director for Nigeria at CBM, expresses pride in the project, stating, “For over 50 years, we have supported local solutions to combat blindness. The new training center represents a formidable advancement in our collective efforts. By fostering accessible, standardized, high-quality, and scalable training systems, we have a real chance at eradicating cataract blindness.”

The introduction of this center could be a turning point in resolving the ongoing eye health crisis in Nigeria, sending a powerful message that the tools and resources to eliminate cataract blindness are finally here—and that immediate action is required to utilize them effectively.

About HelpMeSee

HelpMeSee is a not-for-profit organization, founded by Al and Jim Ueltschi, that strives to eradicate cataract blindness globally. Their innovative training program incorporates sophisticated technology and methodologies derived from pilot training techniques to enhance the skills of future cataract specialists. With over 40 simulators at 15 training centers worldwide, HelpMeSee is dedicated to ensuring that all communities have access to highly trained MSICS specialists.

About Eleta Eye Institute

EEI is an accredited hospital that has successfully trained numerous ophthalmologists over the years. Their mission focuses not only on treating existing cases of blindness, but also on training future leaders in eye health.

About Christian Blind Mission

CBM is an international organization that has been working to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, particularly through eye health, for more than half a century. They actively invest in building a skilled healthcare workforce in developing regions, ensuring comprehensive eye care is delivered effectively.

This new training center is not just a facility—it's a hope for millions. The synergy between HelpMeSee, Eleta Eye Institute, and CBM demonstrates a commitment to transformative change in eye health, ushering in a new era of capabilities and resources in Nigeria's fight against avoidable blindness.