Ophthalmologists gather in Laos to help boost eye care services

The Foundation's Medical Director, Doctor Richard Le Mesurier, joined with more than 20 eye doctors, ophthalmologists, and eye care professionals at the Annual Regional Eye Care Workshop in Oudomxay to discuss cataract surgery, primary eye care, community outreach, and The Foundation's work in Laos' northern provinces.

Eye consultants from Thailand's Srinakarin University Hospital also attended the workshop.

"This is the first regional workshop in Laos, bringing together eye care professionals to discuss issues of mutual importance including standards, collaboration and alignment with VISION 2020 principles," Dr Le Mesurier said.

At the workshop, Dr Le Mesurier stressed the importance of partnership and collaboration when implementing national blindness prevention plans.

In his role as Medical Director, Dr Le Mesurier oversees programs in the countries where The Foundation works through visiting eye hospitals and training programs - ensuring the continued high standard of clinical work.

Dr Le Mesurier is continuing a long-term relationship with The Foundation, having had a tremendous impact on our early work in Africa during the 1980s through training local eye surgeons in modern surgical techniques.

Dr Wanjiku Mathenge, The Foundation's Medical Advisor for East Africa, says this training program is "The single most important thing that has affected eye care in Africa in the last 10 years."

Dr Le Mesurier is also currently Chair of the Western Pacific Region with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).