Restoration of Eye sight achieved despite shortage of Ophthalmologists

Despite a shortage of Eye doctors in Uganda, collaboration with regional networks has enabled the Ophthalmology society of Uganda breakthrough in restoration of eye sights.

This covers both babies and adults who are born with or get eye problems while they are adults.

According to the World Health Organization report in 2006, shortage in human resources for eye health is a huge problem in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, with most countries failing to achieve the ratio of 4 ophthalmologists per million populations recommended.

Uganda with a population of 40 million is served by only 40 ophthalmologists (1 per million population), and half of them work in the capital city, Kampala.

This means that the majority of eye care services in the country are provided by non-ophthalmologists.

Eyesight cannot be improved naturally and there is no way to change a refractive error,

However according to Dr. Ibrahim Matende, a specialized Ophthalmologist (Eye Doctor) many types of visual conditions can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. 

He made the remarks during the Ophthalmology congress held December 9th 2022 at lake Victoria Hotel Entebbe where they elected new office bearers.