About
The World Sight Foundation (WSF) was established in 2012 by Anthony Chignell MBE FRCS FRCOphth after many years of ophthalmic work.
WSF feels strongly that education is one of the best ways of improving care on a long term basis.
His interest in “developing world” ophthalmology arose during his years as Order Hospitaller of the St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital. Of the various models of ophthalmic aid currently available WSF feels strongly that education is one of the best ways of improving care on a long term basis. Thus, rather than being involved with the direct provision of services, we support the teaching and training of those involved with eye care. We consist of a small group of highly motivated volunteers with very limited administrative costs, enabling donations to be used for what they are intended. Decisions can be made quickly and we are close to the projects we partner. Within the WSF we have a group of highly respected advisers both from the UK and the international community.
Trustees of the World Sight Foundation
Advisers to the World Sight Foundation
The Teaching Courses
Our courses are aimed at primary eye care practitioners and are either onsite, or are online and distant. In both types the courses are conducted by mainly UK based ophthalmic experts. Our aim is to contribute to the saving of vision across the globe, by giving primary care practitioners the skills and knowledge they need to provide critical frontline ophthalmic services in their communities, and to prevent unnecessary loss of sight in both adults and children. Their patients, especially those in rural areas, are usually the poorest and most in need. They are the first professional to see a patient and their role is vital in inputting the patient on the correct diagnostic and management path.
On-Site Courses
Selection of places to support is critical to avoid wastage of time and money and once started we intend support to be on a long-term basis.These courses are always preceded by a WSF site visit, and reliable local leadership is essential. There is much organisation necessary and this can only be done by dedicated local staff.At the present time our on-site courses aimed at primary eye care practitioners are conducted in India (at the HV Desai Hospital in Pune, Maharashtra) and Africa (at theMcCord Eye Hospital in Durban).
Onsite course content
The course content is reactive to local need and local ophthalmic professionals are often recruited to help the teaching. These courses, usually lasting three days, are a mixture of specially constructed and highly interactive lecturing and clinical skilling sessions. The courses concentrate on increasing the knowledge and clinical skill of attendees who often work in poorly equipped clinics. Most eye conditions (especially those that need referral) in both adults and children can be recognised by good history taking and simple examination. Attendees are particularly instructed in the examination of children -an element of ophthalmic practice which is often poorly taught. The content of the courses is mainly of a general nature but at times concentrates on particular ophthalmic problems. (e.g. the rising prevalence of diabetes in the world and the threat to vision).
Distance Learning Courses
Online distance learning courses, introduced during the covid travel restrictions, have been popular in several countries (Bangladesh ,Taiwan, India, Kenya, Tanzania S.Africa and Gaza,). They are used either to reach places difficult to access or to reach isolated workers.The courses consist of specially prepared on -line lectures from mainly UK teachers and can last between 1-3 days.
Your support makes it possible
All donations to The World Sight Foundation go directly to help the initiatives we support.