Projects supported by Myanmar
Eye Care Project
Myanmar Eye Care Project runs programs in six geographic locations in central and southern parts of Myanmar, and supports ophthalmologists in Cambodia and India.
Each program is carefully planned to address the local needs and conditions. In areas without an ophthalmic service, visiting clinic and surgical care need to be established. Where there are local services available, Myanmar Eye Care Project supports the ophthalmologists in the area to increase capacity and to offer care to a greater number of poor patients. Modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment are much needed in Myanmar but their high cost is a formidable barrier for the local healthcare system. Working in partnership with the ophthalmology department at Mandalay Eye & ENT Hospital, high-tech equipment are introduced and training in modern surgical techniques are offered to the local ophthalmologists.
The common goal of all programs supported by Myanmar Eye Care Project is to foster the development of a sustainable local ophthalmology service that will eventually be independent of external support.
Upgrade of Sterlisation
MECP is a winner of XOVA 2014 award. This award included a grant to upgrade the sterlisation facilities in Wachet Hospital theatre and to train the local nurses to achieve modern standards in aseptic work flow and sterility.
Corneal Specialty Training
MECP is helping to train local ophthalmologists in medical and surgical care of corneal diseases, which is common due to high rates of injury, infection and eyelid problems. A viable eye bank will be established.
Vitreoretinal Surgical Training
Vitreoretinal service was introduced to Wachet Hospital in 2010 and the training of local ophthalmologists in vitreoretinal surgery was started in 2013. This service will increasingly be needed due to the emerging epidemic of diabetic retinopathy.
Phacoemulsification Training
Most cataracts in Myanmar are very dense, for which manual surgical technique is most appropriate. Phacoemulsification is emerging as an important option for less dense cataract, and will become the dominant technique in future.
Yangon Jivitadana Sangha Hospital
Local ophthalmologists are supported to offer free cataract surgery to 5000 patients who are unable to meet the cost of the surgery.
Bogale
A local ophthalmologist is supported to provide weekly clinic and surgical care to the community in the delta area south of Yangon.
Phaung Da Oo
Ophthalmic nurses and technicians play a vital role in the delivery of eye care. There is ongoing support to train these valuable staff at Phaung Daw Oo, where local ophthalmologists visit regularly.
Mount Popa
Visiting outpatient service is provided for this geographically remote region where there is no local eye care service available.