International eyecare charity Orbis has kicked off a five-day, on-site hospital training programme in Trujillo, Peru, to enhance the skills of local eyecare professionals in treating glaucoma. Despite it being the second-leading cause of blindness in the country, there is a lack of necessary knowledge for treating the disease.
Held at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (IRO), the leading specialised eye hospital in the rural La Libertad region of northern Peru, the training is improving the surgical techniques of ophthalmologists – who are often the only specialists available for glaucoma care in the region – and training nurses to support these critical surgeries.
The training is made possible through generous funding from Dr John E. Downing, an Orbis medical volunteer and donor, and equipment provided by Alcon.
"Dedicated, on-site trainings can make a huge difference in a rural area," says Dr Doris Macharia, Senior Vice President of Global Programmes at Orbis. "When a hospital is the only option for specialised care, it's critical that its physicians and staff are equipped to handle both common and complex cases. We are grateful for the support that makes this training possible. It will build sight-saving skills that will ultimately transform lives."
Two ophthalmologists will receive hands-on training from Orbis medical volunteer Dr Gabriel Lazcano Gomez, a glaucoma expert from Mexico. Four ophthalmic nurses will also receive practical training from Orbis staff nurses. Given that glaucoma primarily affects older individuals, any patients found to have age-related cataracts will receive treatment for this common cause of vision loss as well.
Participants will also learn best practices for educating patients on eye health and preventive care, so blindness from the condition can be avoided.
On-site hospital training allows eyecare professionals to learn new skills in their own work environment and with their own equipment, promoting confidence and sustainable improvements in patient care.
In Peru, eyecare specialists are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved. The training at IRO aims to address this by enhancing the care provided, especially for challenging cases. It will also help IRO serve as a technical adviser for other ophthalmology service providers and community health facilities in northern Peru.
For more than four decades, Orbis has improved eye care access in Peru through training, fellowships, Flying Eye Hospital visits, and equipment donations. While Orbis is active in improving eye care in four regions, another 22 still need basic equipment and training.
