Department of Ophthalmology Annual Narrative Report 2012

Abstract

By every measure this year proved to be an unprecedented period of activity, growth and accomplishments for Department of Ophthalmology. The department was able to achieve all its objectives and activities for the year 2012. Members of the department attended several conferences/workshops both local and international The department also recruited three more members of the academic staff, Dr. Lucy Njambi Dr. Nyamori and Dr. Muchai Gachago. Several members of the department and postgraduate students attended the OSEA conference in August from Uganda. Postgraduate students also presented papers during the conference. The department had the pleasure of receiving a team from Sight Savers in August 2012 to conduct a Quality Assurance Systems assessment in the area of HReH. Intake of 11 postgraduates for the academic year 2012/2013 was conducted during this period and the students reported on 3rd September 2012. 7 Final year postgraduate students sat for their final University examinations and graduated. They were posted various hospitals. Community outreach programmes have always been an indispensable element of the Department of Ophthalmology. 18 free surgical eye camps and more than 900 surgeries were conducted in marginalized areas of Litein, Kitui, and Garissa. The department participated in various national/regional global prevention of Blindness activities (VISION 2020) continuous medical education (CMEs). They participated in the annual OSEA conference 2012 held in Kampala, Uganda where 6 postgraduate students presented quality papers. 34 Postgraduate students sat for their University examinations in August and 19 for the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) examinations in April 2012and performed exemplary. 34 students benefited from scholarships from Sight Savers International (SSI), Light for the World (LFTW), Christoffell Blinden Mission (CBM), Lions Bavaria and Vision Mundi, which have enabled them to undertake their studies successfully and achieve their dream of becoming an Ophthalmologist. Through the partnership with Sight Savers and other partners,18 postgraduate students were able to complete elective terms in various regions as well as participate in outreach activities as per the 2012 program plans/budget. There was effective management of the budgets and timely delivery of outputs relating to the program. Resources allocated were utilized efficiently as per the set budget lines. The department is grateful for the support it has received from Sight Savers through various supports such as elective term, outreach and support on capacity building, which have helped in ensuring that the objectives of department are meet timely. Your support enables us to continue to eradicate preventable and treatable blindness.