This program was established to dramatically increase the number of people in the region who are trained and gainfully employed within existing health and educational structures. The aim is to provide maximum career opportunities for graduates, while ensuring that people relying on the public health sector throughout Southern Africa are the beneficiaries. Latest update...
The provision of affordable and accessible eye care services in Malawi took another big step forward in November 2010 with the enrollment of 21 students in a 3 year mid-level eye care diploma course at the Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS) in Lilongwe. The 18 male and 3 female students, who are all on government scholarships, are currently having basic sciences lectures with an Introduction to Optometry course to be taught in April 2011. 
Once qualified, these Optometric Technicians (OTs) will be skilled primarily in refraction and basic primary eye care. To ensure equitable distribution of trained eye care personnel, they will be deployed to district hospitals bringing optometric services closer to the majority of citizens.
MCHS is one of two campuses that comprise the Schools of Optometry Project (SOOP) in Malawi. Mzuzu University, situated in the north of the country, is the host of the four-year degree program for qualification as an Optometrist. Once qualified, these graduates will also be deployed to regional or provincial hospitals. The first group of optometry students started at Mzuzu University in 2008. Currently there are 7 students in third year, 10 in second year and 15 in first year.
A highlight of the last semester was the participation of all 2nd and 3rd year students and faculty members in a vision screening program to celebrate World Sight Day. The response was overwhelming. More than 100 people were screened and there were more hoping to have their eyes checked. The enthusiasm was infectious as students were exposed to all sorts of new and challenging eye problems. They were able to identify a number of cases of uncorrected refractive error, and prescribe spectacles for people with presbyopia.
The clinical skills of the students will be greatly enhanced this year with the construction of a teaching clinic at Mzuzu Central Hospital, which is planned for September.
Lives Transformed…
“I am one of the first year students who have been selected to study Bachelor of Science in Optometry,” said Jaliff Chitspico. “This has become one of my wonderful experiences in my life because since I was a young boy I have always been dreaming of becoming an optometrist. Another thing which is making me excited is that the program focuses much on human biology which is one of my favourite subjects. Becoming an optometrist is not a simple thing; this is why I am working around the clock so that I can graduate with the first class degree in four years time.”
Project Objectives:
To provide a 2-year mid-level eye care diploma for Optometric Technicians (OTs), with the opportunity for select graduates to register for the full 4-year Optometry program. All OTs will be licensed only to practice within the public sector. Graduates will be deployed to rural and municipal clinics, community health centres and district hospitals which serve the majority of citizens.
Project Outcomes to December 2008*:
- The establishment of two campuses at Mzuzu University and the Malawi College of Health Sciences, both in Malawi.
- 10 OTs commenced training at Mzuzu University in April 2008.
- 25 more commenced training in 2009.
- Provision of training materials and equipment; supplies for classrooms; salaries for trainers; plus student support services.
Over a seven year period, approximately 100 OTs and 30 Optometrists will be trained to provide eye care services to people in Botswana, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The training of these new eye health professionals will be enhanced by the establishment of an Optical Workshop and access to low cost spectacles. The program will be a model for the development of similar schools in other parts of Africa and Latin America.
Project Partners:
This program is implemented in conjunction with: The International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE), Sightsavers International, Malawi College of Health Sciences, Mzuzu University, Malawi Ministry of Health and the Norwegian Optometric Association.
* Figures courtesy of ICEE
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