July and August 2019 - webnews

surgical training in Nairobi

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Recently, the COECSA (College of East Central and Southern Africa) sponsored advanced surgical glaucoma training at the University of Nairobi. Dr Helen went up to train post-graduate fellows, making use of a wet lab set up by the ICO (International College of Ophthalmology)  lead by Will Dean who is doing his PhD on surgical learning and teaching.

"Learning and indeed training in microsurgery is terrifying," said Dr Helen. "Will and this training have taken a completely fresh approach to the 'see one, do one, teach one' of old. Now students can learn in a safe supportive environment so that they are better equipped to manage the live patient in the operating theatre. " 

Dr Helen and some of the students in Nairobi

a fond farewell to Siti

Mwanasiti had worked at the Eye Centre for 19 years as the head housekeeper.  She is a generous warm lady liked by everyone, and she rapidly became both unofficial patient and staff counsellor, always offering a calm, patient presence and a shoulder to lean on .

Siti, as she is affectionately known, decided that it was time for her to retire and enjoy her numerous grandchildren at home. 

We gave her a good send off and wish her well in her retirement.

Mwanasiti in the centre with her colleagues Chiberiti (L), and Nzirani (R).

a happy patient

Mahmud was hit in the eye with the rubber band of a catapult ten years ago and went blind in that eye. He is a butcher and, as you need both eyes to have 3D vision, he struggled with depth of field after the accident. (This is never good with a sharp knife in your hand!) 

With his other eye he saw a poster advertising an Eye Screening Event run jointly by Kwale Eye Centre and Mambrui Welfare Group (a Kenyan organisation striving to give people their independence.)

Mahmud went to the screening event to see if anything could be done. 

​Here he is with his depth of field back!