The impact of sub specialization in Ophthalmology on service delivery in a developing country
3rd International Conference on Eye and Vision
August 21-23, 2017 | Toronto, Canada
Oseluese Dawodu and Valentina Okeigbemen
University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Posters & Accepted Abstracts : Ophthalmol Case Rep
Abstract:
Sub specialization in different aspects of Ophthalmology has been the norm in developed countries for many decades. Many ophthalmologists practicing in developing countries including Nigeria are general ophthalmologists The impact of additional training (Fellowship in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus) on service delivery is elucidated in this paper. The training resulted in acquisition of new skills resulting in expansion of the scope of practice, improvement in the management of medical and surgical ophthalmology patients with better outcome of surgeries. This improved quality of care resulted in a rapid uptake of services leading to an increase in the number of children attending the outpatient clinics, and those having surgeries and in- patient care. Challenges in bridging the gap between the practice of ophthalmology in developed and developing countries remain, the most important of which is lack of equipment due to high cost and difficulties with maintenance. Conclusion: Training is a very strong component of service delivery. Donor agencies who wish to assist developing nations improve their eye care program would best serve by using available resources in human capacity development (Training) and provision/maintenance of valuable equipment.
PDF HTML