International Links Questionnaire 2013
14 January 2013
The International sub-committee of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in association with the International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH) would like to update the database of UK ophthalmologists and associated staff who have links with overseas institutions / hospitals or would wish to become involved. This information was initially gathered in 2006 and, since then, there have been new developments and changes in personnel in many areas.
There is a strong tradition and drive for UK ophthalmologists to help eliminate avoidable blindness overseas with several ophthalmologists establishing personal involvement with overseas hospitals. This could include regular visits, eye camps or involvement with organisations such as Sightsavers, CBM, ORBIS or Mercy Ships etc. Many are part of the VISION 2020 Links Programme, based at the ICEH, which has 25 formalised institution to institution links including the link between the College and the Eastern Africa College of Ophthalmologists (EACO).
There are also ophthalmologists who would be keen to work overseas but who are unaware of available opportunities and uncertain about many of the issues involved with such work. This applies to all grades of ophthalmologist – trainees, SAS doctors and consultants – and also includes orthoptic, optometric, nursing and technical staff.
The updated database will not be an end in itself, but will allow the facilitation of individuals to locate one another with the common purpose of improving ophthalmic services and standards overseas. It will also help ICEH and the College to match the needs of overseas partners with appropriate UK eye departments. There is much to be done at home, but there is also an opportunity to share expertise in parts of the world that are under-resourced and for whom blindness is part of daily life.
We would be grateful if you would complete the attached form so that we have an indication of who is involved in an overseas link or wishes to become involved in the international field. Do pass this on to anyone you think may be interested in your eye department.
Many thanks for your help,
Carrie MacEwen, Chair, International sub-committee, RCOphth
Marcia Zondervan, VISION 2020 Links Programme Manager
Nick Astbury, RCOphth Links Advisor
VISION 2020 Links Programme
https://www.iceh.org.uk/display/WEB/VISION+2020+Links+programme
Please reply by email to: penny.jagger@rcophth.ac.uk
Or send to Penny Jagger at The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, 17 Cornwall Terrace, London NW1 4QW.