Reduce Blindness and Visual Impairment in Developing Countries

Background

According to the World Health Organization, cataract is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. Nearly 20 million people are blind as a result of cataract and the majority of these individuals live in developing countries. In these settings, cataract places a large burden on individuals and families. Cataract-related visual impairment results in decreased economic productivity and negatively impacts the quality of life of patients. Cataract surgery is a highly cost-effective medical intervention, which has the potential to restore vision almost immediately.

In the developed world, cataract surgery is performed using phacoemulsification. But this approach is limited in developing countries because of the costly technology associated with the procedure. In recent years, manual-small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) has been introduced as a safe and cost-effective alternative to phacoemulsification. This technique can be performed at a fraction of the cost of phacoemulsification. In Tajikistan and other central Asian countries, there is an urgent need for the implementation of MSICS techniques in ophthalmology, as the majority of patients do not have access to phacoemulsification.

PASHA’s Program

In conjunction with the Tajik Ministry of Health, PASHA is fighting blindness and visual impairment by establishing a training program in MSICS in Tajikistan. This project has several objectives:

– Train Tajik ophthalmic surgeons in MSICS
– Work with local experts to put in place a sustainable training program in MISCS for ophthalmology trainees in Tajikistan
– Ensure that MSICS is used at eye clinics and surgery centers in Tajikistan for the treatment of cataract where access to phacoemulsification is limited
– Maintain high quality MSICS training techniques after this program is implemented

In conjunction with experts we have established MSICS training programs in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe, and will subsequently expand to other parts of the country. With the implementation of this program, our goal is to introduce MSICS as a cost-effective and sustainable method of cataract surgery in Tajikistan and thereby reduce the burden of cataract in Tajikistan.

You can support our project by making a financial contribution, submitting suggestions, or participating as a volunteer in our program.

Donate Online:

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Donate by Check

This will avoid credit card processing fees. Please make the check payable to “PASHA” and mail to: PASHA
P.O. Box 64166
Los Angeles, CA 90064

***Please indicate that your donation is for the “Reduce Blindness”***