Establishing Vitreoretinal Surgery Capacity in Sierra Leone: Challenges and Opportunities to Address Retinal Health Disparities in Resource-limited Settings.
Lloyd Harrison-Williams, Matthew Jusu Vandy, John G Mattia, Caleb D Hartley, Tolulope Fashina, Ye Huang, Charlene Choo, Caleb Yeh, Crystal Huang, Nam Nguyen, Ibrahim Conteh, Kenneth Campbell, Agnes Konneh, Brent R Hayek, Jessica G Shantha, Ian Crozier, Jean-Claude Mwanza, Christopher D Conrady, Grant A Justin, Steven Yeh, Jalikatu Mustapha
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
A range of challenges exists regarding vitreoretinal (VR) surgical services in resource-limited settings, including Sierra Leone. As a result, retinal pathologies may contribute to vision loss and blindness. In the wake of the 2013 to 2016 outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa, gaps in ophthalmic care were underscored as survivors were experiencing a constellation of sequelae, including uveitis and VR disease. Given the unmet needs in addressing VR disease, systems for retinal surgical care were required. To further understand long-term ocular complications in Ebola survivors and molecular and immunologic factors associated with this, research infrastructure was developed for retinal evaluation and surgery. The 5 "S'" framework was implemented and considered staff, space, stuff, systems, and social support. The ongoing development of retinal health infrastructure has helped to address challenges related to program implementation, development of surgical capacity, and alignment with local stakeholders and collaborator objectives. VR surgical services have been established in Sierra Leone through multidisciplinary partnerships and collaboration and serve patients in-country, as well as others in West Africa who have traveled for care. Continued engagement across stakeholders can aim to address challenges and promote effective care delivery.
期刊介绍:
International Ophthalmology Clinics is a valuable resource for any medical professional seeking to stay informed and up-to-date regarding developments in this dynamic specialty. Each issue of this quarterly publication presents a comprehensive review of a single topic in a new or changing area of ophthalmology. The timely, tightly focused review articles found in this publication give ophthalmologists the opportunity to benefit from the knowledge of leading experts in this rapidly changing field.