On 17 December, Eyes of the world organised the 2024 programme accountability workshop in Oruro, Bolivia, to analyse the results and challenges and to ensure that ophthalmological care reaches the entire population.
The event was attended by authorities from SEDES Oruro, the San Juan de Dios General Hospital, the Departmental Health Council, the School District Directorate, the mayor of the municipality of Toledo, representatives of the Challapata mayor’s office and members of special education centres.
Firstly, a complete report was presented on the activities carried out during the 2024 administration, highlighting:
- Interventions in rural municipalities
- Training of health promoters and medical personnel in basic ophthalmology.
- Training of rural teachers in visual acuity techniques.
- Refractions carried out on students and delivery of glasses to vulnerable people.
- Ophthalmological care for the elderly and people with disabilities.
- The second training cycle in the WetLab.
- Cataract surgeries performed in the department of Oruro
The attendees evaluated the impact of the project to identify areas for improvement and to generate opportunities for collaboration with other entities committed to the visual health of the population of Oruro.
The key points discussed were the implementation of specific items in ophthalmology at the San Juan de Dios General Hospital in order to have qualified staff and also the need to issue an instruction from the Department of Education to ensure that ophthalmology campaigns in educational units are carried out exclusively by Eyes of the world, thus ensuring quality care and follow-up.
This Eyes of Bolivia project is funded by CBM, the Government of Navarre, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, the Repsol Foundation, Repsol Bolivia, Alcon, BNB, Farmacorp, Orbis, FOAL and AGORA, UPF Solidaria, and the town councils of Andoain, Astigarraga, Montmeló, Castellbisbal and L’Hospitalet.