Ophthalmologist Filomena Ribeiro, who heads the Department of Ophthalmology at the Hospital da Luz in Lisbon, holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Lisbon, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Management of Health Institutions and is a fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology.
She has been president of the Ocular Inflammation Group of the Portuguese Society of Ophthalmology and of the Cataract and Refractive Surgery Group, advisor and secretary of the Portuguese College of Ophthalmology and national representative of the European Union of Specialist Doctors. She also has a long curriculum as a teacher and researcher.
Filomena has just returned from the African continent where she visited the Eyes of the world project in Inhambane (Mozambique), which is supported by ESCRS. Together with her travel companions, ophthalmologist Mark Wevil and ESCRS CEO Tom Ogilvie-Graham, Filomena witnessed and was an accomplice of the hard work of the Foundation’s team on the ground, which, facing the difficulties of displacement in rural areas and the economic and socio-cultural barriers that hinder the population’s access to health services, guarantees that they will be able to provide the best possible health care for the population.
How important are the projects supported by the Charity Committee for ESCRS and for you personally?
The projects supported by the Charity Committee are of vital importance both for ESCRS and for me personally. For the ESCRS, these projects represent an opportunity to fulfil our mission to improve the quality of ophthalmic care worldwide by promoting research, education and the development of new technologies. Furthermore, through these initiatives, ESCRS can extend its impact beyond congresses and scientific activities, reaching communities and regions that need it most.
From a personal perspective, supporting these projects is deeply gratifying. Seeing the positive impact they have on the lives of people and communities is an enriching experience. Moreover, participating in these projects allows me to contribute in a tangible way to improving global visual health, which I consider a duty and a privilege as an ophthalmology professional.
During your visit to Inhambane, what was your overall impression of the work done by Eyes of the world? What specific aspects of the eye health improvement project had the greatest impact on you and why?
During my visit to Inhambane, I was deeply impressed by the work done by Eyes of the world. The dedication and commitment of the team to improving eye health in the region is evident in each of the activities I witnessed.
One of the aspects that struck me most was the surgery campaign at the Inhambane Provincial Hospital. The organisation and efficiency with which the surgeries were performed, as well as the post-operative care provided to the patients, demonstrate a high level of professionalism and a clear concern for the quality of life of the people served.
Furthermore, the visit to the mobile optical activities in the Homoine district underlined the importance of bringing eye care services to more remote communities, ensuring that more people have access to these vital services.
Another notable aspect was the promotion of gender equality in Massinga through HOPEM – Homens per la Mudança. This initiative addresses not only visual health problems but also key social issues, promoting positive and sustainable change in the community.
Finally, the training activity led by the medical supervisor in the district of Maxixe, focusing on cataract screening, glaucoma detection and refraction, underlines the comprehensive and educational approach of the project. Ongoing training of local professionals is essential to ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of these initiatives.
In short, Eyes of the world’s work in Inhambane not only improves the visual health of the population, but also strengthens local capacities and promotes gender equity, creating a profound and lasting impact on the community.
How would you describe the visual health situation in the most vulnerable population of Inhambane, and could you share any stories or cases that touched you during your visit?
The eye health situation in the most vulnerable population of Inhambane is extremely precarious and has very few resources. During my visit, what impressed me most was the hope that the development of the new Ophthalmology department at the Provincial Hospital, a project being developed by Eyes of the world, brings to this population. This development promises to significantly improve access to and quality of ophthalmology services in the region.
One story that touched me deeply was that of an elderly woman who had been suffering from cataracts for years. Due to a lack of resources and access to adequate eye health services, she had lost almost all her vision and was completely dependent on her relatives for the most basic tasks. During the surgery campaign organised by Eyes of the world, she was operated on and, the next day, when the bandage was removed, she was able to see clearly for the first time in years. The emotion and gratitude in her eyes are moments not to be forgotten. This case highlights not only the urgent need for these services, but also the transformative impact they can have on people’s lives.
How do you assess the long-term impact of Eyes of the world activities on the local community? What challenges have you identified in the implementation of these projects and how could they be overcome?
The long-term impact of Eyes of the world’s activities on the local community is extremely positive and promising. Through their initiatives, they are succeeding not only in improving the visual health of the population, but also in training local professionals and raising awareness in the community about the importance of eye health. This ensures that the benefits of the project will last over time and spread to more people.
However, several challenges have been identified in the implementation of these projects. One of the main ones is the lack of adequate infrastructure and limited resources in the most vulnerable areas. To overcome this obstacle, it is crucial to continue the development of facilities such as the new Ophthalmology department at Inhambane Provincial Hospital, ensuring that it has the necessary equipment and trained staff.
Another important challenge is community awareness and education on the importance of eye health. Many people do not seek medical attention until their situation is very serious. To address this, broader awareness campaigns and continuing education programmes can be implemented to reach all regions, even the most remote ones.
In addition, the financial sustainability of the project is another challenge. It is essential to secure constant and sufficient funds to maintain and expand the activities. This could be achieved through the creation of strategic partnerships.
In summary, although there are significant challenges in implementing these projects, with strategic planning and a collaborative approach, it is possible to overcome them and ensure a lasting and positive impact on the visual health of the local community.
What is your vision for the future of the collaboration between ESCRS and Eyes of the world and what new initiatives would you like to see implemented?
My vision for the future of the collaboration between ESCRS and Eyes of the world is an even stronger and more effective partnership, focused on expanding the reach and impact of our joint projects. I hope that we can continue to work together to develop innovative and sustainable programmes that not only improve eye health, but also strengthen local capacities and promote the holistic wellbeing of communities and ensure equity in access to eye health care.
What emotions or reflections do you take with you after this experience?
After this experience, I have a mixture of deep emotions and important reflections. I feel enormously inspired and hopeful to see the positive impact that Eyes of the world initiatives are having on vulnerable communities in Inhambane. The dedication of the team and the gratitude of the patients have reminded me of the true essence of our profession: improving the quality of people’s lives through eye care.
Together we can make a better world!