Commitment to continue improving eye health in Yacuiba
The Eyes of the world Foundation held its 2025 Accountability and Management Meeting on 10 February in the municipality of Yacuiba, in the department of Tarija, with the participation of 14 women and 2 men who were members of the Parents’ Council, the District Education Directorate, eye health promoters, the My Health Programme, the SAFCI Programme and the Fray Quebracho Hospital.
During the conference, the results achieved during the management of the ophthalmological cooperation programme in Yacuiba were presented, and suggestions and recommendations were made to strengthen it. The meeting also reaffirmed the joint commitment of institutions, the health sector and the community to continue working to improve eye health in Yacuiba, prioritising prevention, early detection and timely access to specialised treatment.
Among the main contributions made by participants are: follow-up care for patients who have undergone surgery, increased budget and supplies for cataract surgery, training for more ophthalmology specialists, improved medical equipment, and expanded inter-institutional agreements.
The director of Fray Quebracho Hospital, Dr. Armin Chambi, emphasised the importance of training more professionals to perform cataract surgery in order to expand coverage and reduce waiting lists.
It was also proposed to strengthen the prevention and early detection of visual problems through educational talks, pre- and post-testing of students, the production of audiovisual materials, dissemination in the media, and distribution of information in neighbourhoods, prioritising coordination with families and health centres.
Dr Camilo López Tapia, head of the SAFCI Mi Salud Programme, highlighted the importance of coordinated work between health personnel and educational units as a fundamental pillar for strengthening eye health prevention.
The Eyes of Bolivia project in Yacuiba is funded by Medicor, the Government of Navarre, CBM, the Repsol Foundation, Repsol Bolivia, the ONCE Latin America Foundation (FOAL), the National Bank of Bolivia and Alcon.