Cataract surgery in Syrian refugees: the MEDEVAC Programme
Session Details
Session Title: Orbis Treatment and Prevention of Blindness in the Developing World
Session Date/Time: Monday 16/09/2019 | 12:15-12:51
Paper Time: 12:15
Venue: West 7
First Author: : N.Jiraskova CZECH REPUBLIC
Co Author(s): : L. Hejsek L. Kvasnickova
Abstract Details
Purpose:
To present the results of cataract surgeries in Syrian Refuges performed in the MEDEVAC Programme
Setting:
Department of Ophthalmology, Charles University Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
Methods:
The MEDEVAC Programme is a government-run medical humanitarian programme of the Czech Republic that is focused on the provision of medical care to vulnerable groups of inhabitants in the regions stricken by humanitarian crises or natural disasters or in areas with complicated or no access to specialised healthcare services. Treatment is provided free of charge and exclusively to civilians (predominantly to women, children and older people) in a serious health condition or in a health condition that does not allow them to lead a dignified life.
Results:
A team of two ophthalmologists (NJ, LH) and one nurse (LK) performed during their seven surgical missions more than 1,200 cataract surgeries (phacoemulsification with PC IOL implantation) mainly in Syrian refugees. Surgeries were performed in ophthalmological centres in Amman, Jordan. During their missions the Czech team cooperated with Jordanian specialists. No serious complications occurred and improvement of vision was observed in the patients. Expertly performed surgeries have ensured the self-reliance and social inclusion of the patients and opened the possibility for them to return to the labour market.
Conclusions:
Improvement of vision significantly enhances quality-of-life in the patients who underwent cataract surgery through the MEDEVAC Programme.
None of the authors have a financial or proprietary interest in any product mentioned.
Financial Disclosure:
None
