Media: Videos

Increasing Access to Sight-Saving Surgery in Western Tanzania

Sometimes a little support can go a long way. Bugando Medical Centre in Western Tanzania serves 16 million people but could not perform cataract surgeries on site for lack of an operating microscope. The ophthalmologist would have to transport the patient, staff and supplies to another hospital, perform the surgery, then transport them back to Bugando.

In late 2016, through Seva's Global Sight Initiative, the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology (KCCO) provided Bugando Medical Centre with funds for an operating microscope. KCCO is the largest organization in Africa dedicated to reducing blindness through community ophthalmology training, and Seva supports its capacity-building efforts by providing training and other resources. KCCO also supports outreach to rural areas to identify people who would benefit from cataract removal; provides surgical supplies; and makes counseling available to help reduce people's fear of surgery and overcome other barriers to treatment.

In the entire year before working with KCCO, the ophthalmology team at Bugando performed 27 cataract surgeries. In the first few months of 2017 alone, armed with their own microscope and other support from KCCO, they had already doubled that number.


"An operating microscope is such basic equipment, without which the program cannot function."
- PETER KILEO, KCCO Program Manager


Above: Dr. Evarista and Mrs. Rosemary, respectively the ophthalmologist and program manager at Bugando Medical Centre's Eye Department, have seen huge improvements in surgical productivity since partnering with Seva through the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology.

Above: Dr Evarista with operating microscope.

Above: Dr Evarista in surgery, Tanzania.


Feel inspired? Help support Seva:

More Videos

Related Articles

"They see, they smile!"

Covering an area approximately the size of the state of West Virginia Dr. Kuzenza is the lone ophthalmologist working in the Singida Region of Tanzania. Together with Seva's support, his eye department is providing eye care services to a population of more than one million people. Take a minute and see for yourself how Seva supporters like you help Dr. Kuzenza's eye department transform lives by restoring sight.

The Doctor with One Million Patients

In the Singida Region of central Tanzania, one of the poorest in the country, a staggering 1.3 million people rely on the services of just one ophthalmologist: Dr. Ng'hungu Kuzenza. An incredibly committed eye doctor, Dr. Kuzenza works tirelessly to treat eye injuries, remove cataracts, and save the eyesight of people in need.

Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology

KCCO is the largest organization in Africa dedicated to reducing blindness through community ophthalmology training. KCCO is radically expanding its training programs, developing community service projects and providing consulting and mentoring to local eye care programs throughout Africa.

Share our vision

Don't miss out on more good news.

 

Sign up today and get life transforming stories and event announcements.

* We won't share your email and you can unsubscribe at any time.

GuideStar Holiday Impact Prize Charity Navigator BBB Accredited Charity The Life You Can Save Charity Watch

Follow Seva:

Seva Foundation Seva Foundation Seva Foundation Seva Foundation Seva Foundation

Contact Us | Search | State Disclosures | Privacy Policy | Job Opportunities | Sign In

Seva Foundation 1786 Fifth Street Berkeley, CA 94710 phone: 510-845-7382 fax: 510-809-3364
Seva Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. © 2024 Seva Foundation. All rights reserved.