The Gambia-Swansea Vision 2020 Link Suzanne Martin Deputy Head of Orthoptics ABM University NHS Trust
Aims of Presentation History of the Gambia-Swansea link Progress so far Achievements and benefits
V2020 Links Programme The Gambia and Swansea – training and education paediatrics and glaucoma Funded through ‘Seeing is Believing’ SCB £9.4k/year for 2 years
How the link began The Gambia made link request following the building of The Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre in Banjul Vision 2020 Links Programme linked with Swansea in February 2008 Steering committees and scoping visits made Memorandum of understanding and 3 year activity plan developed
Visits to The Gambia April 2008, March 2009 and November 2009 Paediatric Ophthalmology, Orthoptics and establishment of children’s eye care facilities Glaucoma management including teaching of goldmann tonometry Development of refraction services Repair and maintenance of equipment
Return visits The Gambia team visited in July 2008 and September 2009 Shadowed Ophthalmologists in clinic and theatre to enhance general skills focusing mainly on paediatrics and glaucoma Taught how to assess vision in children by Orthoptists Glaucoma practitioners demonstrated tonometry Visited GPs, Optometrists and local resource centre Social events and interviewed for TV and local radio
Fundraising/publicity £38,000 raised so far Grant applications SCB, WAG and THET Quiz nights, Golf Days Charity Balls Personal Donations Website Talks to local groups e.g. Rotary, WI
Achievements so far Practical training and education of staff Dedicated paediatric clinics, more awareness of children’s eye conditions Development of nurse practitioner role for glaucoma Enhanced quality of services, improved case management Provision of equipment
Benefits Development of skills, techniques and confidence Closer partnership working both locally and with link partners Better understanding of NHS Staff motivation Personal satisfaction and friendships
Barriers Communication – constant interruption of internet service Delays in obtaining visas Leave constraints Lack of staff in The Gambia Finance
The Future Consolidation of paediatrics and glaucoma Cataract surgery/Biometry Audit Diabetic retinopathy Research
www.gambia-swansea- eye-link.org www.vision2020uk.org.uk www.sightsavers.org
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