[Training program for vitreoretinal surgery in Nairobi, Kenya from 2000 - 2006]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Training
• Global Health

Context:

• The 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi highlighted a critical need for advanced ophthalmic care in East Africa.
• A significant gap in vitreoretinal surgical expertise exists in developing nations.
• Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich initiated a relief operation and subsequently a training program.

Purpose:

• To establish and evaluate a sustainable vitreoretinal surgical training program in Nairobi, Kenya.
• To assess the feasibility of transferring complex surgical skills to local ophthalmologists.
• To improve access to specialized eye care in a developing country setting.

Summary:

• An annual vitreoretinal surgical training program was conducted in Nairobi from 2000-2006.
• The program involved a visiting surgeon performing and supervising surgeries alongside local Kenyan colleagues.
• A total of 293 vitreoretinal surgeries were performed, with local surgeon independence increasing from 29.4% to 78.6%.

Impact:

• Successfully established vitreoretinal surgery services in a developing country's ophthalmic clinic.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of intensive, short-term surgical training for sustainability.
• Shortened surgical preparation times and enabled treatment of more severe cases.