VIENTIANE: The Lao Ophthalmology Association provided free cataract surgery for 65 people in Champasak province on April 4, while also strengthening the skills of doctors and nurses through practical training.
Led by advisory president of the Lao Ophthalmology Association, Professor Dr Vithoun Visonnavong, and senior ophthalmologist Dr Soukhanthamalie Phonkasermsouk, the team worked in cooperation with Champasak Hospital to carry out the procedures.
The objective of the programme was to restore vision for people with cataracts, while also providing hands-on training for ophthalmologists and ophthalmic nurses at Champasak Hospital.
The training focused on Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS), a high-quality and cost-effective technique that is accessible to people from all socio-economic backgrounds and is particularly suitable for use in developing countries.
The initiative attracted strong interest from local residents. A total of 85 people registered, of whom 65, including 41 women, underwent surgery.
Notably, all of the procedures were performed by a single surgeon, although this technique can be used to deal with 100-120 cases a day under optimal conditions.
Following the operations, first-day post-surgical outcomes showed very good visual recovery. In addition, five ophthalmologists and five ophthalmic nurses received on-site training.
Through this training, participants strengthened their skills in pre-operative patient assessment, MSICS surgical techniques, operating room management, and patient flow management in handling high surgical volumes in a single day.
These valuable lessons not only provide much-needed practical experience but can also be applied to improve the overall quality, efficiency and sustainability of eye care services at public healthcare facilities. - Vientiane Times/ANN
