Training of eye health care personnel in Liberia (NSEC-OTP)
SUPPORT A PROJECT/WHAT WE DO
| The country is constrained with the shortage of eye care professionals such as Ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses, cataract surgeons, optometrist, refractionist and instrument technicians. According to the National Eye Care Program, there are 5 ophthalmologists, 4 cataract surgeons, 21 ophthalmic nurses, 2 refractionists, and 1 Optical Technician. Eye care curriculum is also not integrated into existing health training institutions and there is no in-country training of eye care personnel. To achieve quality eye care across the nation and reduce the incidence of avoidable or preventable blindness through awareness and treatment, individual country must create or set up a system of training professional eye health worker. The New Sight Eye Center will conduct training of professional eye health workers each year. The New Sight Eye Center will collaborate with the National Eye Care Program and the Director or Educational services as well as other eye care clinics in the implementation if said training program. Candidates for enrollment will have completed senior high school lessons and passed the West African Examination Council exam. Other requirements will be including into the training package. The major functions of the professional eye health worker will include: to diagnose and manage all common eye problems; recognize and refer those conditions which require more specialist care; organize and run outreach clinics; educate the public and other health workers on primary eye care collect and disseminate date and carry simple research and perform additional task as will be indicated after the training. These trainees will also be integrated into the already existing primary health care, clinic, hospital and education systems. New Sight Eye Center, in collaboration with the various local authorities, will initiate the trainee selection process. A maximum of fifteen (15) persons or less will be selected for enrollment each term regardless of sex, creed, color, or disability. Participants will be awarded a certificate/diploma of qualification as professional eye health worker/ primary eye health worker at the end of the training along with basic kits to enhance their function.  According to the National Eye Care Program, there are 5 ophthalmologists, 5 cataract surgeons, 21 ophthalmic nurses, 2 refractionists, and 1 optical technician. An eye care curriculum is also not integrated into existing health training institutions and there is no in-country training of eye care personnel. |
