2015 Duke Elder Prize Winner reflects on his trip to St John Eye Hospital, Jerusalem

13 April 2017

I cannot stress my gratitude to The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the people of St John Eye Hospital for affording me the privilege of this visit. It has been a humbling experience which has brought me far out of my comfort zone and opened my horizons – to see the potential to make a tangible difference for people not fortunate enough to have full and free access to modern medicine, such as in the UK, has inspired me to contribute in my own small way once I possess the skills.

But I have realised from this visit that such contribution would only have a minute impact on the ocular health of the region. Rather than a well-meaning single visit, help needs to be sustainable – to be able to continue and grow long after the contributor has left. Contributing to optimisation of the education programme for residents, and to the strategic coordination and delivery of eye healthcare and education to the people of the West Bank, should make a long-term impact and help thousands, rather than hundreds, of people in need. I hope to do my part one day.

Jonathan Y-X L Than, Foundation Year 2 Doctor, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.

Download Jonathan’s full diary St John Eye Hospital Report RCOphth – J THAN