Download - Vanderbilt Eye Institute and Les Centres Gheskio : Forming an eye care collaborative in Haiti
Amy S. Chomsky, MDAssociate Professor of
Ophthalmology
InceptionNovember 2009Chair of The Vanderbilt Eye Institute
(VEI),Paul Sternberg, wanted to have VEI involved in an international humanitarian outreach project
The VEI Humanitarian Global Outreach Committee was formed- January 2010
VEI Humanitarian Global Outreach CommitteeAmy Chomsky, Appointed ChairCommittee Members: Denis O’Day, Laura
Wayman, Brian Carlson, Sarah Reynolds, Edward Cherney, Jeffrey Kammer, Stephen Kim, David Calkins, Janet Nicotera
GoalsProvide eye service to an underserved
underprivileged population in an international setting.
Instill a sense of global healthcare service to VEI staff, faculty and residents.
Potential for training of local physicians and staff
Potential for researchPotential for resident/medical student
rotation
Why Haiti?NeedVanderbilt Institute of Global Health’s
involvement in Haiti- Les Centres GHESKIO
Denis O’Day, MD, former VEI chair is actively involved in health care initiative in Haiti: Visitation Hospital in Petite Riviere de Nippes
GHESKIO
In Port-au-PrinceHistory of Vanderbilt and Cornell
collaboration with GHESKIOAlready working with Visitation Hospital in
HIV outreach testingCommitted to: SERVICE, RESEARCH,
TRAINING
Visitation HospitalIn Petite Riviere de NippesVisitation Hospital Foundation (VHF)-
Founded in 1999. Its first componentThe Visitation Outpatient Clinic, opened its
doors in January 2008. 250,000-300,000 otherwise without access to
healthcareDr Denis O’Day vice chair of the board of
VHF
Denis O’Day, MD Paul Sternberg, MD William Pape, MD
Eye Care needsNo sound epidemiological statistics
availableHigh prevalence of Glaucoma, Diabetes,
HIVUV exposure issues- Pingecula, Pterygia,
CataractsHyperopia> myopiaPresbyopia- OTC readers
Over-all PlanSet up a clinic in Port-au-Prince at
GHESKIOOutreach clinic to Visitation Hospital-
every few monthsPeriodic trips by VEI Ophthalmologists to
see patients and perform surgery.Have a local Haitian Ophthalmologist
funded at GHESKIO in collaboration with VEI
Set up screening devices that can be used for telemedicine
Outpatient Services to be provided:Comprehensive eye
examinations/screeningsProvide spectacles, medical glaucoma
treatment, infectious disease treatmentSurgical services- Cataracts, Pterygia,
Oculoplastics, Strabismus, Lasers, Injections, prosthesis
Low vision
Teaching and Mentoring
Work with local Ophthalmology community (SHO and the medical school training program)- help support speakers, symposia, etc
? Help with the training of a Haitian Ophthalmology residents
? Train ancillary support staff that can: assist the physician and train others to be assistants.
Also support local Ophthalmologists with equipment up-keep/service
The TimelineTo date we have made four trips and have seen
approximately 300 patients- both at GHESKIO and Visitation Hospital
Provided medications, glasses, performed several lasers
Brought an Ophthalmic equipment Technician on most recent visit who performed ophthalmic equipment maintenance locally
Equipment for the clinic has arrived through customs
Space under construction for clinic and OR now at GHESKIO
Interviewing of potential Haitian Ophthalmologist
BudgetVEI is committed to at least two years of
funding- the hope is with success of the program, this will be expanded.
Have had some donations already to date: Plan is for potential future fundraising as the program grows.
**Although the plan is initially part-time, the hope is to expand to fulltime.
ChallengesFundsShipping/CustomsOngoing stocking of supplies/medicationsDonations- Fundraising and industry supportTraining
Visit to SHO Clinic- November 2011
Special Thanks!William Pape, MDBrigitte Hudicourt, MDFranz Large, MDNancy Martelly Garnier, MDPascale Pelissier Auguste, MDPaul Sternberg, MDArmie Harper, MDDenis O’Day, MDAbel VillarrealJanet NicoteraBrian Carlson