Ophthalmology training in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

Dean, William H.; Gichuhi, Stephen; Faal, Hannah; Mpyet, CD; Resnikoff, Serge; Gordon, Iris; Matende, Ibrahim; Samuel, Andrew; Visser, Linda; Burton, Matthew J.

doi:10.1038/s41433-020-01335-7

Cited by 27 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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“…The combination of automated artificial-intelligencebased algorithms with point-of-care fundus photography, which could be obtained at primary care or haematology office visits as has been previously demonstrated for diabetic retinopathy screening [9], may help consolidate care for visually asymptomatic patients with sickle cell disease who have difficulty juggling routine ophthalmology visits with school or work obligations and medical appointments or hospitalizations associated with their systemic disease burden [13]. Moreover, the convenience and scalability of automated screening systems have the potential to help overcome disparities in access to retinal screening examinations in Africa and other medically underserved regions of the world, where the prevalence of sickle cell disease far exceeds the availability of retinal specialists [14].…”

Section: Artificial Intelligence For Screening For Sickle Cell Retino...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Artificial intelligence for improving sickle cell retinopathy diagnosis and management

Cai¹,

Han

Scott

2021

Eye

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Sickle cell retinopathy is often initially asymptomatic even in proliferative stages, but can progress to cause vision loss due to vitreous haemorrhages or tractional retinal detachments. Challenges with access and adherence to screening dilated fundus examinations, particularly in medically underserved areas where the burden of sickle cell disease is highest, highlight the need for novel approaches to screening for patients with vision-threatening sickle cell retinopathy. This article reviews the existing literature on and suggests future research directions for coupling artificial intelligence with multimodal retinal imaging to expand access to automated, accurate, imaging-based screening for sickle cell retinopathy. Given the variability in retinal specialist practice patterns with regards to monitoring and treatment of sickle cell retinopathy, we also discuss recent progress toward development of machine learning models that can quantitatively track disease progression over time. These artificial intelligence-based applications have great potential for informing evidence-based and resource-efficient clinical diagnosis and management of sickle cell retinopathy.

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Section: Artificial Intelligence For Screening For Sickle Cell Retino...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Artificial intelligence for improving sickle cell retinopathy diagnosis and management

Cai¹,

Han

Scott

2021

Eye

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“…There is a shortage of ophthalmologists in sub-Saharan Africa, and a need to train more. [ 27 ] Mozambique holds one of the two Lusophone ophthalmology training programs in sub-Saharan Africa, and material in Portuguese is sparse. Associated with sustained local health-care professionals, better clinical performance, and public health,[ 13 ] training has become a priority in Mozambique.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Online Faculty Development

Filipe

Golnik

Geary³

et al. 2021

Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology

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PURPOSE: Faculty development for procedural specialists aims at developing both their medical education and surgical competence. This has been challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in under-resourced settings and African Lusophone ophthalmology community has been no exception. The Mozambican College of Ophthalmology (MOC) and the Continuing Professional Development Committee of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) established a collaboration to enhance simulation-based clinical teaching competence in cataract surgery. METHODS: Ten Mozambican ophthalmologists experienced in teaching cataract surgery participated in a group mentoring assisted 6 month/11 flipped-learning online experience on curriculum design, which included practice-based and social learning strategies, continuous bidirectional feedback, individual and group reflection opportunities, and the demonstration of declarative and procedural competencies. Program evaluation consisted of pre and pos t -test knowledge assessment; individual homework, informed by curated reading and a recorded lesson; feedback surveys for each module and one month after the program's conclusion, and a longitudinal project on creating a simulation-based education session on one step of cataract surgery. RESULTS: Participants a) highlighted the opportunity to advance their scholarly teaching skills as facilitators; b) showed an increase in knowledge post-test, expressed commitment to improve their learning experiences´ design, include interactive educational methods, and provide constructive feedback; and c) formed a sustained community of practice of ophthalmologists educators (CoP). CONCLUSION: This online faculty development program, assisted by group mentoring, held during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated the development of a CoP and was effective in enhancing teaching competence in curriculum design to apply in simulation-based learning environments.

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“…Many regions in the world lack access to comprehensive ophthalmology training for their physicians despite the need for it. 8,9 These are prime examples of areas that need capacity building, but in order to accomplish that, local providers need the knowledge and skill set to deliver this care themselves. There are many programs and organizations that collaborate with various institutions across the globe to support just this type of work.…”

Section: Go Curricula For Knowledge and Skills Acquisitionmentioning

confidence: 99%