Training Principles for Ophthalmic Care in Developing Countries

Abstract

Over the past few decades the authors have visited a number of developing countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas, provid- ing both general ophthalmology care and specialised consultation, teaching and service. The programmes initially were largely oriented towards cataract surgery and glaucoma care in more rural areas, then towards teaching in the field of paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus in large city hospitals. There seems to be a never-ending amount of service needed in these countries, although, over time, the ability of colleagues to provide service to their own people has increased. However, as the cataract backlog is reduced, there develops an interest in learning specialised ophthalmic concepts and surgery techniques.