Glaucoma, in particular, is one of the most common eye diseases in the region. According to the Barbados Eye Study in 1994, prevalence of open-angle glaucoma in people over 40 was among the highest in the world at 7%, with the majority (53%) of cases going undetected. Glaucoma affects 1 in 11 Afro-Caribbean people over the age of 50, and almost 1 in 6 of those over 70 years old.
During the first week of the project we focused on simulation training which combines the latest in simulation technology, virtual reality, and scientific, surgical and medical knowledge. These new methods of delivering hands-on training allowed local teams to practice complex surgical skills in a controlled environment before operating on patients. A big thanks to our partner, UTC Aerospace Systems, for providing us with this ground-breaking equipment.
In those two weeks we provided training to more than 220 eye care professionals who will be able to pass on their learnings to other members of their team. We also examined around 100 patients and treated nearly 40 people with avoidable blindness.
We’d like to say a big thanks to all out partners for making us feel so welcome and, of course, our volunteers for giving up their free time to help share their skills and knowledge with colleagues from across the Caribbean.
