The Laila Foundation, in partnership with Pacific International Hospital (PIH), successfully concluded a four-day cataract outreach from April 26th to the 29th at Lorengau General Hospital (LGH), delivering sight-restoring cataract surgeries to underserved communities across the Manus province.
A total of 130 patients were on the list after being screened by the devoted Sister Loras at the LGH eye clinic, resulting in 111 successful surgeries, including 92 cataract operations and nine pterygium excisions with conjunctival grafts.
These procedures have had a profound impact, restoring vision and independence to patients who had been living with preventable blindness.
Many were blind in both eyes and were dependent on guardians and saw that the day after surgery, were happy at regaining their sight resulting in better quality in life.
This marks the eighth outreach initiative led by the Laila Foundation and PIH with its Provincial Health Authority (PHA) partners for Manus since the year 2019.
With over 550 cataract surgeries performed to date, the program stands as the most consistent and impactful eye care initiative in the province’s recent history.
Chief Executive Officer of Lorengau General Hospital, Mr. Francis Possy remarked that Laila Foundation and PIH continues to return year after year to provide the vital cataract outreach program to provide access to eye specialists for patients who are screened for cataracts by Sr Loras at the Eye clinic.
“Their work is transforming lives in communities where access to eye care is extremely limited.”
Patients travelled from across the island; some up to two days by boat or four hours overland in order to receive the care that they need.
Many also expressed hope that future programs could either reach more remote regions or that the administration provide transportation support to Lorengau General hospital.
In addition, Manus Provincial Administrator, Mr. Mame, reassured that they are committed to working with the PHA and NGO health partners such as Laila Foundation to improve access to specialist care in Manus.
“Logistics will be a priority in future outreach efforts, so no one is left behind.”
Meanwhile, Director and Consultant ophthalmologist at PIH, Doctor Amyna Sultan, OBE, said that the Laila Foundation and PIH remain dedicated to their mission of restoring sight and transforming lives.
“We look forward to working with the Provincial Health Authorities and other partners to expand their reach across Manus Province and with other PHA’s across Papua New Guinea where specialist eye doctors are not available.”
“This year we have plans for returning to Wewak in East Sepik, Kimbe in West new Britain, Kapuna in Gulf and Tari in Hela province. Also adding to our visits will be Pimaga in Southern Highlands and Vanimo in West Sepik province.”
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