Alcon, a global leader in eye care, celebrated the first anniversary of its African Phaco Development Program (PDP) on December 10, 2024. The program, which focuses on enhancing eye care services across South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia, has seen significant progress and plans for further regional expansion. Alcon remains steadfast in its commitment to the vision of “Skill Africa, by Africa, for Africa,” aiming to strengthen healthcare capacity and increase access to eye care throughout the continent.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 110 million people in Africa suffer from vision impairment, with cataracts accounting for 6.7 million cases. Contributing factors include limited access to quality healthcare, a shortage of trained eye care professionals, and widespread socioeconomic challenges. This has led to a substantial backlog in cataract surgeries, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable blindness.
Jan Landman, Alcon’s Country Manager and Surgical Head, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “It’s saddening to know that one in every six blind individuals lives in Africa, with millions more facing varying degrees of visual impairment,” he said. “Alcon’s dedication to addressing these challenges is central to the mission of our African PDP. Our goal is to change this narrative by enhancing healthcare capacity in Africa through strategic, action-oriented collaborations and training.”
Over the past year, the program has successfully trained 61 eye care professionals, with an ambitious goal of training more than 450 by 2029. Alcon’s expansion plans aim to extend the program’s reach across additional countries. Through partnerships with organizations like Orbis International, Alcon is working to create sustainable solutions that will have a lasting impact on eye care in Africa.
Dr. Hunter Cherwek, Vice President of Clinical Services and Technologies at Orbis International, praised the program’s collaborative approach. “This initiative is a perfect example of what can be achieved when organizations come together,” he said. “At Orbis, we recognize that no single entity can address the urgent challenges facing eye care across Africa. Only through collaboration—leveraging expertise, resources, and a shared vision—can we effectively meet the needs of millions suffering from preventable blindness.”
Since its launch in 2008, Alcon’s Phaco Development Program has trained over 6,900 surgeons in core and advanced phacoemulsification techniques, enabling more than 11 million sight-restoring surgeries in countries including China, India, Russia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and South Africa. Through these efforts, Alcon is committed to improving access to quality eye care, strengthening local healthcare systems, and making a lasting difference in the fight against blindness worldwide.
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