[Afghanistan--ophthalmology in a state of emergency]

During the ISAF mission the authors want to accompany the colleagues on their daily duties in the outpatient clinics, the wards and theatre to have an overview about handling the different and some specialised diseases in the only ophthalmic centre for northern and central Afghanistan. At least we want to answer the question, is there a possibility of cooperation and support?

In Afghanistan the ophthalmologist population ratio was 1:200 000. More than about 2/3 are working in urban areas and less than 1/2 in rural areas. There were no eye sub-specialists like retina or paediatric ophthalmologists at all. The reason for the lack of eye doctors and ophthalmic technicians is the prolonged war conditions in Afghanistan as well as professional migrations and missing good management.

One of two clinics in Northern Afghanistan was able to practice intraocular operations. Because of the incredible situation in old reconstructed buildings, there was no evidence of clinical hygiene, but nevertheless they performed mainly cataract and glaucoma surgery. Despite the ridiculous situation of hygiene in the theatre, there was not a higher rate of intraocular infections. The international assistance mission (IAM) NOOR project has been the most successful programme in eye care in Afghanistan since war started 30 years ago. There is a need for more support in Government centres with the help of ISAF initiating funds and technical equipment.