sinskey eye institute begins surgical glaucoma initiative
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Sinskey Eye Institute Begins Surgical Glaucoma Initiative
The ASCRS Foundation’s Robert Sinskey Eye Institute in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia will treat 12,000 patients in 2011. Its lead ophthalmologist, Kefyalew Regassa Gobena, MD, estimates 25% of his patients suffer some form of glaucoma.
“Glaucoma is a major problem in Ethiopia and other poor regions in Africa and is the leading source of
permanent blindness,” said Alan Crandall, MD, Senior Vice Chairman of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Utah. Dr. Crandall has made several trips to Africa to train local ophthalmologists and is a past ASCRS president.
“Surgery is the best option to treat glaucoma patients in those parts of the world where medical therapy is not an option. Pressure-reducing eye drops can cost $100 a month. That’s an average yearly salary for an Ethiopian, and even if it was financially feasible, there are no pharmacies near the villages where these patients live.
“The ophthalmologist typically gets only one opportunity to treat the patient and glaucoma surgery with post-surgical medication is the best approach in these instances,” he added.
The ASCRS Foundation is asking for donations of used ophthalmic equipment to help with its ongoing cataract program and the launch of its glaucoma initiative. View the complete list of needed equipment.
The ASCRS Foundation’s Robert Sinskey Eye Institute has been in continuous operation since 2005. With a permanent facility and full-time staff of 10, the Sinskey Eye Institute provides everything from basic eyecare to phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
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The foundation relies upon the contributions of industry and individual ophthalmologists to support its on-going mission in Ethiopia.
To help with the foundation’s 2011 Surgical Glaucoma Treatment Initiative, visit: www.eyedonate.org
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