ESTABLISHING A PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY FELLOWSHIP THROUGH INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC COLLABORATION: A MODEL FOR ADDRESSING CHILDHOOD BLINDNESS
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Keywords
Pediatric Ophthalmology, Telemedicine, Childhood Blindness
Abstract
We need to improve skills among pediatric ophthalmologists, as there is an increased number of childhood blindness diseases in our country. These local residency and fellowship programs exist thanks to an existing academic relationship among the stakeholders. We looked at the idea of starting a pediatric ophthalmogly fellowship program, using what is working well in current postgraduate academic settings as a model. Both a sitution analysis and a needs assessment were carried out at a regional hospital. Metaf says it checked its staff expertise, the tools they use and all available resources to ensure it is eligible for international fellowship status. Officials looked at the records to determine how many pediatric patients needed treatment. We also looked at the way local training is organized and what is needed. All organizers came together to design the program’s structure. Eleven doctors, among them two who are experts in pediatric ophthalmology, worked there. Last year, the center handled 14,627 health problems for children and did 3,641 children’s surgeries. Each participant in the fellowship will be taught about anterior segment anatomy, retinoblastoma, strabismus and retinopathy of prematurity in two years. Research, anatomy and surgical skills are the areas where medical students need more training, according to the program. Part of quality assurance involves judging how well faculty perform, storing accurate patient information and keeping a close watch on the skills of staff members. In case of trouble with implementation, health organizations rely on telemedicine, improve their hospital buildings and set up maintenance arrangements. As a result of the assessment, the team proposed several steps to get the region’s first pediatric ophthalmology fellowship program started. Owing to our resources, skilled clinical team and experienced patients, we should reach the intended learning outcomes. A firm’s assets will last if partners of the stakeholders are working together successfully.
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Sruthi Bhagyam K
Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology,MelmaruvathurAdhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Melmaruvathur, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr.Suneel Narahari
Deportment of Ophthalmology, Katuri Medical College & Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
D Jothieswari
Sri Venkateswara College of Pharmacy, RVS Nagar, Chittoor-517127, Andhra Pradesh, India.