In cooperation with the International Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Council and its International Pediatric Eyecare Training (IPET) committee the IOA Volunteer Program launched an orthoptic training program in sub-Saharan Africa in October 2022.
Gambia has only two permanent ophthalmologists, and a population of 2.7 million with 44% of the population between the age of 0-14. The orthoptists we are training will serve as the frontline eye care providers for children, with sufficient skills and knowledge to be able to identify those children needing referral to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and medical treatment when indicated.
IOA Orthoptic Volunteers who have been providing fulltime didactic and clinic instruction to orthoptic students specifically selected to become the future clinicians and Gambian instructors for future orthoptic training this past year. The IOA instructors have been impressed with the motivation of the student cohort to change the lives of children in Gambia.
Though the training program was designed to become self-sustaining, full time volunteer instructor coverage during the first two formative years is crucial. Funding for this project is dependent upon donations from individuals and groups interested in improving the eye health and lives of African children. If you interested in donating to this IPET project, please go to the IPOSC Website and donate to IPET.
Image below (from left to right) Sutay Jobe and Haddy Sylva, Orthoptic Students, Lillian Kemi, IOA Volunteer, Isatou Alieu Jobe, Head Optometrist, and Alhagie Sayang, Orthoptic Student
