The Ministry of Health in Seychelles has made a significant advancement in ophthalmic care, thanks to an intensive three-week training program conducted by the Teaching Eye Surgery (TES) Foundation. As a result, the ministry can now perform silicone oil removal surgical procedures locally, reducing the need for costly overseas treatments.
Silicone oil removal is a crucial procedure typically performed after initial vitreous surgery. Previously, patients had to travel to India, incurring substantial expenses. According to Roland Barbe, head of the Eye Clinic within the Ministry of Health, between 15 to 30 patients were sent abroad annually for these surgeries, costing around $4,000 per patient for the initial procedure and an additional $3,000 for subsequent silicone oil removal.
With the successful training, the Ministry of Health can now provide these specialized services within Seychelles. This development is expected to significantly reduce healthcare costs while improving access to essential eye care for patients.
The advanced surgical training was led by Professor Cyrus Tabatabay, President of TES, accompanied by a team of specialists, including a surgeon and an engineer. They not only provided hands-on training but also recalibrated essential medical equipment and introduced international best practices for ophthalmic procedures.
Dr. Danny Louange, CEO of the Health Care Agency (HCA), emphasized the ministry’s commitment to enhancing comprehensive ophthalmology services, particularly for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions are leading causes of vision impairment in Seychelles, making early intervention and specialized care essential.
Currently, there are four ophthalmologists in the Ministry’s eye clinic, with a fifth specialist expected to complete training soon. In addition to ophthalmologists, support staff such as doctors and nurses are also receiving specialized training to improve overall patient care.
Looking ahead, the ministry aims to expand training programs and establish a nationwide system ensuring early detection and intervention for eye-related conditions. There are ongoing discussions to set up additional eye care centers in the Southern Mahé region and other inner islands.
The collaboration with TES has provided Seychelles with regular international training opportunities and cutting-edge ophthalmic equipment. Over the years, TES has donated medical equipment worth over €500,000 to the Ministry of Health, contributing to the continuous improvement of ophthalmic services in the country.
Professor Tabatabay reaffirmed TES’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health in the coming years, ensuring that Seychelles remains at the forefront of high-quality eye care services.
This breakthrough marks a significant milestone in Seychelles’ healthcare system, reducing reliance on foreign medical services and enhancing local capabilities. With continued training, investment, and international partnerships, the future of ophthalmology in Seychelles looks promising.
TES Foundation, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, remains a key partner in this transformative journey towards better eye care for all Seychellois citizens.
