Convening partners to improve patient care

The meeting was held in conjunction with the 9th Annual COECSA Annual Scientific Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi, which draws ophthalmologists and public health professionals from Eastern, Central and Southern Africa and is designed to provide opportunities to network and gain critical knowledge in specialty topics and research.

HCP Co-founder Dr. Geoff Tabin worked alongside HCP partners, staff and representatives from collaborating NGOs including Orbis International, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation to focus on improving eye care for the people we collectively serve. As part of the workshop, the participants looked at improving data standards across countries so patient outcomes can be better tracked and compared across programs to increase outcomes for patients.

Throughout the two days there were also engaging discussions touching other cross-cutting topics: Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) and climate change — issues that are integrated throughout all of HCP programs.

The workshop was a resounding success as it allowed for HCP partners to share accomplishments and challenges in delivering quality eye care and building ophthalmology capacity in low resource settings. All stakeholders agreed that there is a significant need to increase focus on generating evidence to expand advocacy efforts to increase resources for eye health and to change policy.

“Our people out there need our help,” Dr. James Addy, HCP’s Ghana Country Representative said. “We trained for this. No one can do it but us.”

The regional partners workshop was supported by the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.