On May 4th the Foresight Sumba Eye Program (SEP) team will be heading to Sumba for a week. Thanks to funds raised in the recent effort by the RC Glenferrie and Kew, we can mount another expedition to this under resourced eastern Island of Indonesia.
This trip is of paramount importance since we are anticipating the commissioning of at least one eye clinic in West Sumba at the Waikabubak Public Hospital. We have been in constant communications with the hospitals concerned and the ophthalmology department of Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Sulawesi.
This has been the long-term goal of the SEP, to establish a permanent eye service on the Island. Negotiations with UNHAS has progressed to the point that they will send a senior registrar on rotation to man the eye clinic including operate. Unfortunately, there are many political issues to sort out.
Thanks also to a grant from RC Balwyn and the ANZEF (Australian and New Zealand Eye Fund via Mark’s College – RANZCO) as well as the generosity of the Kabo family, we hope to report back in late May of our success. This trip will also involve teaching of the Eye Care Nurses (ECNs) which we have sponsored.
Mark F Ellis AM
PP RC Glenferrie
