An ACU-sponsored ophthalmology training event in rural Nepal has helped primary health care professionals save the eyesight of people across the country.
Part of an ongoing partnership between ACU, Open Eyes Nepal (OEN) and the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) in Kathmandu, the event trained 50 health professionals on early detection of retinoblastoma.
Retinoblastoma is the most common primary eye cancer among children, with roughly 50 new cases detected in Nepal every year.
The trainees were primary health care workers, student nurses and optometry students. They were taught how to use the Arclight, a portable, low-cost diagnostic device used to identify a range of eye diseases.
Ophthalmology experts Dr Purnima Rajkarnikar Sthapit and Dr Sushant Adiga from TIO, supported by a team from Open Eyes Nepal, delivered the training. Testing was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of the training and every trainee was provided with an Arclight free of cost.
"This training opportunity provided important clinical skills development for primary health care professionals who are often the only available resource for people living in regional and rural villages," Dr Rajkarnikar said.
"Because of their often-remote locations, these professionals are frequently called on to identify a range of complex and varied health conditions. Equipping them with the skills to identify retinoblastoma as early as possible can increase opportunities for effective treatment."
Established in 2023, the partnership has expanded significantly over the past three years. ACU has been supporting the families of children with retinoblastoma by funding their treatment and prosthetic eye rehabilitation at the TIO.
The funding arrangement is part of a four-year agreement with Open Eyes Nepal, a not-for-profit organisation that provides free treatment for children with retinoblastoma.
So far, more than 40 children have received free treatment for the disease.
As well as supporting Nepalese practitioners and patients, the partnership is providing education and clinical training opportunities for the next generation of health care professionals in Australia.
Ten ACU Bachelor of Nursing students and two instructors recently travelled to TIO to build clinical skills in ophthalmology.
The students took part in clinical activities in a variety of TIO settings, including the pre-operative room, major operation room, the minor procedure room, the emergency department, the prosthetic department and in outpatient settings.
The experience offered important exposure to ophthalmology as a potential career path and to the systemic complexities of providing health care in a developing country.
"Our partnership with TIO is just one example of ACU's commitment to international partnerships that enhance the dignity of people and communities around the world," says ACU's Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global and Education Pathways), Chris Riley.
"What started out as a community engagement initiative has expanded to become an invaluable clinical development opportunity for ACU students, staff and health care professionals across Nepal."
