Opthalmology

Ophthalmology in a tropical environment

The working group Tropical Ophthalmology of the NVTG is grateful for the opportunity to share some of its thoughts with the readers of MTb. Of course this is a selection. Some other issues are paid attention to in the upgrade of the Memisa Eye Special 2002, such as traditional eye medicine, diabetes and many more subjects. These articles will become available soon on the website of the NVTG (www.nvtg.org). Many Dutch ophthalmologists are active in low-income countries. Often they operate within non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the field of eye care. Additionally regularly personal initiatives are taken. Meanwhile national trainings in ophthalmology and eye nurse and refractionist trainings have been established in various countries and national staff are responsible for most of the specialized eye care. So we cannot offer a complete overview. The available time for ophthalmology in the training for Doctor International Health Care and Tropical Medicine (AIGT) is limited. With this issue we hope to show that with more knowledge of ophthalmology the AIGT will feel more confident in the field of eye care. Questions can always be asked via Tropenconsult-on-line. In recent years a shift in eye pathology has been seen in low-income countries. In this issue this shift is described and two articles highlight an important cause, the aids epidemic. It is outlined how the ophthalmological world thinks to improve the quality of sight in local settings (Vision 2020). There is a special article about the care for children. An example is given of how a simple action in the field can reduce blindness. All articles put emphasis on what workers in the frontline can do. Therefore the practical use of a simple ophthalmoscope is explained. An important role for front line workers can be to help in the field of logistics as in the case of low vision. We hope that this issue will enthuse to let the world look brighter for all, especially for the ones who are less privileged.

Jan Geert Bollemeijer
Peter Hardus
Margreet Hogeweg
Coen Koppert
Contact through secretariaat@tropischeoogheelkunde.nl or visit www.tropischeoogheelkunde.nl