Background
Lizie Avan Tou – Vitreoretinal Surgery and Consultation Project was conducted from 24 to 28 June 2024.
This project was next step of the SQUINT project that was pioneered by the Rotary Club of Phoenix in Mauritius, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Thane and The Subramania Bharati Moka Eye Hospital.
We launched the Vitreoretinal Surgery and Consultation project with a focus on those suffering with Diabetic Retinopathy. With the support of our Partner Club, The Rotary Club of Thane, India, renowned eye specialists, Dr. Sweta Patro, and Dr. Karan Annapur Kumarswamy came to Mauritius to conduct major surgeries and consultations during this 1-week visit.
Key figures summarising the success of this intervention by the Indian Doctors:
- 90 consultations,
- 40 surgeries and
- an island-wide sensitisation campaign
Objective
After consultation with the Ministry of Health and the Subramania Bharati Eye Hospital in Moka, the Rotary Club of Phoenix (RCPh) identified approximately 250 cases requiring immediate surgical intervention. The partnership with the Rotary Club of Thane was to bring in the right specialist medical team, to assist the Ministry in clearing part of the backlog by providing treatment and operating on an initial group of patients with severe eye complications.
The initiative also aimed to train relevant Mauritian doctors and to raise public awareness about the importance of eye health. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that calls for greater awareness among diabetic patients about its risks.
Logistic & budget details
Date: Launched on Monday 24 June 2024
Venue: Loïs Lagesse Trust Fund, Beau Bassin
