We’ve received a most encouraging report from the eye clinic at Embangweni Mission Hospital about recent developments in their community eye health education and screening programme, reaching out to villages, schools and colleges, at the same time facilitating the professional development of their clinicians.
Here’s a brief summary of their report, together with a selection of photos sent by staff.
Breaking old barriers
The community eye-health project, which is financially supported by The Raven Trust, but entirely developed by local staff, aims to break down the barriers that prevent people from accessing essential eye care and to foster deeper community engagement. The team recognized early on that common eye conditions such as neonatal conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, cornea scarring, cataract, and glaucoma were prevalent, yet often misunderstood or left untreated.
In response, the project has embarked on a multi-faceted approach. At its core is an emphasis on education and training. Health surveillance assistants, the frontline workers deeply embedded in local communities, have been trained to identify common eye conditions. This newfound expertise allows them to act as the first point of contact, recognizing potential issues and guiding patients towards proper care.
Community outreach: students screened and teachers alerted
The project’s reach extends beyond the hospital walls. The team has conducted eye screenings at local schools, such as the Robert Laws Secondary School, where they discovered that over a quarter of the students screened had eye-related conditions. This outreach has demonstrated the prevalence of vision problems among the youth.
In a move to ensure sustainable impact, the project has also focused on the next generation of educators. An awareness campaign at Loudon Teachers Training College has armed future teachers with the ability to spot eye problems in their students, potentially changing the academic trajectories of countless children.
Ocular medication training at health centres
One of the most critical aspects of the project has been addressing the misuse of ocular medications, particularly corticosteroids. Through targeted training sessions at various health centers, clinical staff have deepened their understanding of these powerful drugs, their proper application, and potential side effects. This knowledge is crucial in preventing serious complications that could lead to vision loss.
Mobile impact
The impact of the project is already visible. Mobile eye clinics conducted at multiple health centers have provided direct care to numerous patients who might otherwise have gone without treatment. The community’s awareness of eye health issues has noticeably increased, and there’s a growing demand for eye care services.
Conclusion
As the project progresses, there’s a palpable sense of optimism. The Embangweni Hospital Eye Clinic is becoming well established, with an improving supply of drugs and plans to introduce new services. This growth not only promises better eye health outcomes for the community but also moves the clinic closer to self-sustainability. It also illustrates how much has been achieved since the clinic was established just seven years ago, starting with some informal training and the supply of basic optical equipment.