VISION CLINIC

Mwanza | November 2017

By Standing Voice

December 15^th, 2017

In early November, Standing Voice implemented its latest Vision Programme clinic in Mwanza. Across four days, over 300 patients received optometry services and assistive vision devices to support them in school or at work. The vast majority of patients were newly enrolled, though follow-up care was also provided to selected students who had previously received our support.

The service was delivered by local optometrists: Drs Malima and Msuya, from Temeke District Hospital, and Drs Nyembo and Siara from the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) School of Optometry. Like all our programme optometrists, these individuals have previously received training and mentorship by Dr Rebecca Kammer, the clinical director of our Vision Programme and a world-leading specialist in the low vision of persons with albinism. These talented optometrists were joined by the Standing Voice Tanzania Team, as well as our Programmes Manager Jamie Walling and Executive Director Harry Freeland. Two Standing Voice trustees, Sabine Zetteler and Gurmeet Kaur, were also present to witness and deliver our crucial work first-hand, dispensing devices and conducting acuity tests. The Head of Sekou Toure Regional Hospital, Onesmo Lwakyendera, attended as our Guest of Honour.

This clinic marked the introduction of our new cloud database in the field, with optometrists and administrators recording and monitoring patients’ enrolment and treatment digitally. For Standing Voice, this represents a particularly exciting development, as this bespoke digital facility has been under development for more than a year.

The event received extensive media coverage across a number of mainstream broadcasters, who relayed testimonials of patients, optometrists and other stakeholders to audiences across Tanzania. Such exposure will raise vital awareness of the needs of people with albinism, alleviating stigma in communities nationwide.

Heartfelt thanks to our Vision Programme partners Essilor Vision For Life, Under the Same Sun (UTSS), the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS), KCMC School of Optometry and the Tanzania Optometric Association (TOA). Thanks to Onesmo Lwakyndera, our Guest of Honour; to the Department of Social Welfare, who funded patient transport; and to the Government of Tanzania more broadly, whose endorsement and engagement with our programme deepens every day. Thanks also to the variety of media outlets who attended, and helped to publicise this event. Thanks to the wonderful Standing Voice team, and our four Tanzanian optometrists: Dr Kanuti Siara, Dr Abdi K. Nyembo, Dr Diana Malima, and Dr Ramadhan Msuya. Thanks lastly to the teachers and parents who attended this event, and to the patients with albinism, without whom this service would not exist.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all partners and supporters of this programme, including its current funders: the James Tudor Foundation, the Charles Hayward Foundation and Kennington Overseas Aid, as well as Essilor Vision For Life. Together, we move one step closer to ensuring full prosperity and equality for people with albinism across Africa.