Ophthalmic Education:

Enhancing Ophthalmic Education in Nigeria

By Adenike Abiose, MD, ICO Council Member

The quality of ophthalmic education in Nigeria, which had been high in the past, declined to an all time low in the last few years. Contributory factors included the economic downturn in the country, leading to reduced morale of workers including doctors, inability of patients to pay for services, failure to replace obsolete equipment and lack of opportunity for quality training of trainers.

The leaders of ophthalmology recognised the need for change and sought assistance. The International Council of Ophthalmology came to the rescue and its officers made an on the spot assessment in April 2004.

After an extensive tour of training institutions in the public and private sector and a visit to accrediting bodies of postgraduate medical education and the West African Health Organisation, the officers accompanied by officers of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria and PAACO identified the major obstacles to improving the training of ophthalmologists as lack of outpatient and surgical volume, exposure to subspecialties, clinical equipment and educational materials.

These conclusions were made known to the leaders of ophthalmology in the country and the Minister of Health. Definite recommendations were made and responsibilities were allocated.

The officers of the ICO, the ICO Foundation, PAACO, the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and industry (Zeiss) as well as residency training institutions have worked together to implement the recommendations.

Books have been shipped to training centres, one centre in each of the six geopolitical zones has had broadband internet installed, while the computers and hardware are expected shortly.

A research component to assess the impact of the internet enhancement intervention is included, and support for this is provided by the National Eye Institute, Bethesda and the World Health Organisation, Geneva.

Initial steps for setting up a high quality high volume centre for quality surgical service and training have been taken, and the Aravind Hospital team will do a situation analysis at the identified training institution.

The budget has exceeded the initial estimate and there have been unexpected delays in the implementation of the recommendations, but the commitment is unflagging on all sides.

The realisation of ophthalmologists in Nigeria that they are part of a caring global whole has positively impacted on residents, colleagues and the management of training institutions.

When the programmes are successfully implemented, Nigerian Ophthalmology is dedicated to sharing her experience and expertise with other countries in West Africa and the rest of the Africa region.

Our deep gratitude goes to all those who have contributed to this vision and shown commitment to carrying it through.

Next: ICO Ophthalmic Education Programs

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