Kiribati
Kiribati is one of the most physically remote and dispersed countries in the world, making it very difficult for just one fully trained ophthalmologist supported by an eye doctor to reach everyone in need.
What are the eye health problems?
The country’s only ophthalmologist graduated from the Pacific Eye Institute in December 2014 and now delivers eye care for the entire country. With an estimated 28.1 per cent of the population suffering from diabetes, Kiribati has a large number of people in need of regular screening for signs of diabetes eye disease. Many require urgent treatment, but the health system is simply not set up to meet the need.
Our work in Kiribati
In 2017 we upgraded the eye clinic, and we’re continuing to support Dr Rabebe in her role as Head of Department for Ophthalmology. Dr Erena Kum-kei assists her as a trained eye doctor. We're also raising awareness within the health sector about diabetes and the impact it can have on eye health. We’re training health nurses to recognise and refer diabetic patients to the eye clinic, which helps us reach people in remote villages.
Progress in sight
- Upon request of the local team, we continue to support the clinic with up-to-date equipment, medicines and supplies.
- The eye care team is raising awareness of diabetes eye disease by training primary health carers to refer patients to the clinic. An average of 100 diabetic patients are screened for signs of diabetic eye disease monthly.
- A second doctor from Kiribati has begun her studies in ophthalmology at the Pacific Eye Institute. When she graduates and returns home we’ll meet our training targets for both eye doctors and nurses in Kiribati.
- An eye nurse represented Kiribati at the International Diabetes Federation Congress in Busan.