PNG Eye Care

This follows the first national Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) research study that revealed more women are unaware that cataract treatment is possible in PNG.

According to the study, 40,746 people in the country are blind in both eyes.

The study also showed that 61 percent out of 40,746 which is 24,855 women are less likely to feel the need for eye surgery.

Dr Anthea Burnett of Brien Holden Vision Institute and Vision CRC said there is a need for more awareness on cataract surgery services in PNG.

Fabrizio accompanied PNG Eye Care survey teams who are undertaking the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) progam.

He noted the professionalism of the teams as to how they did their job as they took him to Gemo in Central Province, Hanuabada in Port Moresby and Vunabalbal, Kokopo in East New Britain.

The RAAB is collecting much needed data to assist in planning for future of eye care services in PNG. It is being implemented by Brian Holden Vision Institute with funding support from Fred Hollows Foundation Australia - working together with PNG Eye Care.

This annual day of awareness focuses on global attention on blindness and vision impairment.

The PNG Eye Care community celebrated its World Sight Day today at the National Resource Centre at the UPNG Medical Faculty, Taurama Campus.

Papua New Guinea chief ophthalmologist, Dr. Simon Melenges, says today marks the event’s fourth year of celebration in PNG.

World Sight Day is celebrated on the second Thursday of October annually throughout the world with the theme “Eye care for all.”

Celebrations will be hosted by the PNG Eye Care (PNGEC) in Port Moresby on Thursday, October 13 at the National Resource Centre at University of PNG Medical Faculty, Taurama Campus. 

PNGEC senior manager Samuel Peter Koim confirmed that they’ll be lead up activities as well.

A free eye testing school screening will be done at Ted Diro Primary School on Wednesday, October 12.

This event will also commemorate International Children’s Day, which is celebrated on June 1 every year.

Children's Day is recognised on various days in many places around the world to honour children globally.

The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children's Day in 1925.

It is usually marked with speeches on children's rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children.

School screening was a US AID funded project that PNGEC did since March 2016.

Trachoma is an infection of the eyes that may result in blindness after repeated re-infections.

It is the world's leading cause of preventable blindness and occurs where people live in overcrowded conditions with limited access to water and health care.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that six million people worldwide are blind due to trachoma and more than 150 million people are in need of treatment.

Chief eye doctor in PNG Dr Simon Melengas said with the dry season affecting the country, this disease is most likely to affect the communities.