Local ophthalmologists being trained by US based NGO
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DPI, Guyana, Friday, June 1, 2018
Local ophthalmologists are being guided on how to recognise and examine complications of diabetes in the eye and treat patients with laser technology.
The one-week training is being facilitated by Orbis International, a United States based non-governmental organisation. This the second visit of a three-year arrangement between the government and Orbis International.
The Ophthalmologists will be better able to deal with Diabetic Retinopathy, a diabetes complication that affects eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye due to chronically high blood sugar levels.
An ophthalmologist from the New Amsterdam Hospital who is participating in the training exercise which launched today said he believes Guyana is on the right track. “…like every third world country there are always budget constraints. I think we are doing the right thing…once we receive the training, we can gradually spread our wings.”
This workshop was initiated by the Guyana Diabetes Care Project (GDCP) and made possible through the collaboration of the World Diabetes Foundation, Orbis International, University of Toronto, GPHC and the Ministry of Public Health
Orbis Representative, Rosalind Stevens said though Guyana’s eye care system is “top-notch”, more equipment is needed. She opined that based on her worldwide travels the country’s healthcare care system is admirable; particularly the fact that free medication and the treatment are dispensed to the public.
By: Zanneel Williams.
Images: Jameel Mohammed.