Orbis, KZN health department to open Paediatric Eye Care Centre

The Orbis Paediatric Eye Care Centre at IALCH offers specialised treatment and surgery for blinding conditions that are common in South Africa, such as paediatric congenital cataract, glaucoma, retinoblastoma and uncorrected refractive error and will serve 3,5 million children in KZN. "Childrens' eyes differ significantly from adults and require specialised procedures, equipment and follow-up. Early intervention is absolutely crucial. This centre has been equipped to the best international standards so that we can treat prevalent eye problems, prevent children from going blind and restore their sight," said Dr Dharmesh Parbhoo, the paediatric ophthalmologist who heads up the centre's team.

"Southern Africa is a priority region for ORBIS as it carries the heaviest burden of blindness globally, with 23% of the world's blind," said Lene Overland, director of programme for ORBIS in Europe, Middle East and Africa. "In about half of cases paediatric blindness could be prevented if access to appropriate medical facilities were available at the right time. We have therefore made a ten year commitment to developing ten paediatric eye care centres in sub-Saharan Africa. This world-class centre at IALCH is the second of ten; it marks a massive step forward in alleviating avoidable blindness."

Orbis's support includes the provision of surgical and diagnostic equipment, training of medical staff, helping to develop the referral network to ensure children in need are quickly identified and given appropriate care, and creating a child-friendly, relaxed environment at the centre so patients and parents can feel as comfortable as possible.

The centre will be officially opened by Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, MEC for Health in KZN on Friday, 21 October 2011.