From 16 to 29 June took place at the Sominé Dolo Hospital a training in paediatric ophthalmology with the aim of expanding and improving activities to strengthen the treatment of avoidable childhood blindness in the most remote areas of Mopti. Seven ophthalmic medical assistants (AMO) selected from the health districts of Djenné, Douentza, Bankass, Koro and Mopti received training in paediatric ophthalmology. The main trainer was the paediatric ophthalmologist from the Sominé Dolo Hospital in Mopti.
During the theoretical sessions, concepts ranging from paediatric ophthalmological examinations and refractive defects to congenital pathologies, anomalies and trauma specific to childhood were extensively covered. Procedures for monthly paediatric ophthalmological reporting and referral forms were also covered.
In the practical phase, the following were carried out:
- Cataract surgeries on three children and seven adults.
- Paediatric ophthalmological examination, under general anaesthesia, of five children with congenital glaucoma, ametropia, strabismus, palpebral cyst, pupillary isolation, iris herniation and anterior segment dysgenesis.
- Ophthalmological examination of several cases of strabismus.
- Technique of using Volk for fundus examination.
- Technique for the use and interpretation of the Goldman tonometer.
- Schiascopy technique.
- Practical exercises on the transmission of hereditary diseases.
The purpose of this training is to prepare an eye health worker in each health district to initiate a major process of improving paediatric eye care, managing data and case collection of pathologies causing childhood blindness and planning their follow-up and evaluation.
This eyes of Mali project is supported by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia.
