Building capacity in eye care: How intensive training is improving vision and eye health in Papua New Guinea
| Monday, November 4, 2024 |
| 9:30 AM - 9:40 AM |
| Panorama Rooms 2 & 3 |
Overview
Isabelle Mou
Speaker
Ms. Isabella Mou
Fred Hollows Foundation Png
Building capacity in eye care: How intensive training is improving vision and eye health in Papua New Guinea
Abstract
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a developing country facing high levels of preventable blindness and visual impairment. These issues are exacerbated by the lack of trained eye care professionals. Although eye conditions like cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, eye injuries and refractive errors are common, ophthalmology is often overlooked and underfunded by the national healthcare system. To overcome this lack of investment, new and efficient approaches to building capacity in the eye care sector are essential.
The Advanced Diploma in Eye Care (ADEC) program was created through a partnership between Divine Word University and the Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand to help meet PNG’s eye care needs. This one-year intensive training program is designed to give students the skills and experience needed to provide high-quality eye care in their home provinces. The program offers a mix of theoretical learning and practical clinical experience and is followed by a seven-month supervised placement at the Madang Eye Clinic. This well-rounded approach ensures that graduates are ready to face common eye health challenges and can work effectively even in places with limited resources.
As an Eye Care Tutor and Senior Ophthalmic Clinician, I am closely involved in teaching and supervising these future eye care providers both in the classroom and in their clinical practice. The personalized mentorship provided during clinical placements is especially important. This supervised application of learning in a real clinical setting builds students’ confidence and competence.
The ADEC program has already made a significant impact across PNG, as over 100 graduates have returned to their communities with the skills and knowledge needed to help those with visual impairments and eye disorders. By empowering these healthcare professionals, the ADEC program is expanding access to essential eye care services; improving the vision, eye health and quality of life of the population; and contributing to the broader goal of building a stronger healthcare system in PNG.
The Advanced Diploma in Eye Care (ADEC) program was created through a partnership between Divine Word University and the Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand to help meet PNG’s eye care needs. This one-year intensive training program is designed to give students the skills and experience needed to provide high-quality eye care in their home provinces. The program offers a mix of theoretical learning and practical clinical experience and is followed by a seven-month supervised placement at the Madang Eye Clinic. This well-rounded approach ensures that graduates are ready to face common eye health challenges and can work effectively even in places with limited resources.
As an Eye Care Tutor and Senior Ophthalmic Clinician, I am closely involved in teaching and supervising these future eye care providers both in the classroom and in their clinical practice. The personalized mentorship provided during clinical placements is especially important. This supervised application of learning in a real clinical setting builds students’ confidence and competence.
The ADEC program has already made a significant impact across PNG, as over 100 graduates have returned to their communities with the skills and knowledge needed to help those with visual impairments and eye disorders. By empowering these healthcare professionals, the ADEC program is expanding access to essential eye care services; improving the vision, eye health and quality of life of the population; and contributing to the broader goal of building a stronger healthcare system in PNG.
Biography
Isabella is a senior Ophthalmic Clinician from Madang, Papua New Guinea, whose work focuses on training and education. She has a diploma in general nursing, an Advanced Diploma in Eye Care (ADEC) and a bachelor’s degree in health service management. Isabella works as a tutor for ADEC students at Divine Word University and as a Workforce Support Coordinator providing mentorship to ADEC graduates in the provinces.
Designation: Eye Care Tutor/Ophthalmic Clinician/Eye Health Workforce Coordinator
Place of Work: Madang Provincial Hospital Eye Clinic & DWU Paramed Classroom
Qualification: Diploma in General Nursing, Advanced Diploma in Eye Care, Bachelor Degree in Health Service Management
