Introduction
History
Resources
Healthcare
Formation
Research
Support to the member states
Achievement
Partnership

DONNEES PAYS
OCCGE :

Contacts
O.M.S

 

TRAINING AT IOTA

 

In sub-Saharan Africa the ratio regarding ophthalmic personnel are as follow :

  • 1 national ophthalmologist and 1 cataract surgeon for 1 million people
  • 1 ophthalmic nurse for 450 000 people.

     

 

This insufficiency of human resources raises the problem of training, which is one of IOTA’s main priorities.

THE DIFFERENT EDUCATION COURSES

Training in specialised ophthalmic medicine, under the certificate, Etudes Spéciales d’Opthalmologie (CES)

  • 4 years training, one of which to take place in a northern French-speaking country
  • a selection of 4 or 5 students per year
  • accommodation assured by IOTA (20,000 FCFA per month or 34 US $)
  • 2 month annual holidays with a return air ticket provided.

     

 

Training in cataract surgery

  • 10 months training
  • a selection of 5 candidates per year
  • accommodation is not included.

     

 

Training of specialist nurses in ophthalmology (infirmiers specialistes en opthalmologie – ISO)

  • 2 years training
  • a selection of 24 trainees per year
  • accommodation is not included
  • 2 month intermediate holidays with a return air ticket provided

     

 

Training of opticians and training in operating exploration

  • 3 months training
  • a selection of 6 trainees per year
  • accommodation in post of dresser.

     

OBJECTIVES

These are inspired by the training principals as recommended by WHO.

The objectives generally vary according to the type of training.

However, in all cases the objectives intend to serve the community, to respond to ocular health needs in the curative and preventative senses. For the CES one of the aims is the training in public health ophthalmology. The training is centred on the apprenticeships for positions in the professional sphere.

The specific objectives are grouped together in the "passeport de competences", given to students (ISO and cataract operators) at the beginning of their training. This passport allows an on-going evaluation during the course of their training.

 

COSTS AND FINANCING

The annual cost of the pedagogic expenses is 700,000 FCFA (1000 US $), apart from the training of opticians, the cost for which is 300,000 FCFA. (500 US $) All students also receive a monthly allowance of 140,000 FCFA. (230 US $)

The increase of these expenses and of the monthly allowance is under the control of the bursaries. The most essential bursary is funded by the Sight First Program, part of the Lions Club International. Other bursaries are under the control of the European Community, the French Government or, more rarely, by NGOs or the WHO.

CONDITIONS OF CANDIDATURE

The candidates must fulfil the following conditions :

  • be less than 35 years of age
  • be French-speaking
  • show proof of at least 3 years medical experience
  • in order to enter the specialist ophthalmic studies, they must hold a doctorate in medicine
  • in order to enter the specialist ophthalmic nursing training, they must hold a nursing diploma from the State.
  • in order to enter the training course for cataract treatment, they must hold a doctorate in medicine or a specialised nursing diploma.

     

 

As part of the application each candidate must send the following :

  • a request from the candidate (an application letter)
  • a certificate of medical aptitude; for the candidates applying for the course in cataract treatment and for CES, the certificate must state the results of the obligatory ophthalmological examination.
  • a curriculum vitae
  • evidence of having worked in a public function or for an NGO
  • a pledge from an employer to give the candidate, at the end of the course,
  • a position that corresponds to the new qualification, for at least 3 years a precise location for the applicant ; a post box number ; fax and telephone numbers are indispensable, and the country code must be included.
  • a letter of recommendation; one from the national co-ordinator of the programme for the fight against blindness is an advantage.

The applications must arrive at IOTA before the 1st September of each year. Any incomplete applications will be not be accepted. Only in exceptional and proven cases will any leniency in these conditions be allowed.

 

The selection board reserves the right of final decision in the selection of candidates; the decision of which takes place in early September each year and priority being given to those candidates from countries within the OCCGE. The selection board is made up of representatives of those institutions providing the bursaries, the person in charge of the Education Department and the IOTA director.

 

ACCREDITATION OF DIPLOMAS

The CES diplomas are issued by the Faculty of Medicine, of Pharmacy, and of Odonto-stomatology of Mali.

The OCCGE issues a diploma of superior technician in ophthalmology to ISOs.

IOTA issues a " passeport de competences " to those studying the treatment of cataracts.

RESULTS

 

In 7 years (1991-1998) IOTA has trained 148 people in ocular health.

This divides into :

  • 23 ophthalmologists
  • 29 cataract surgeons
  • 103 ISOs
  • 25 opticians
  • 5 lecturers in trichiasis surgery
  • 7 specialists in functional exploration

     

 

The results of training from 1991 to 1997 are shown in figure 1.

 

 

     

 

Top page