BEIJING: The 10th International Training Course on Cataract Prevention and Treatment has officially begun in Changsha, Hunan, China.
Organized by the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and hosted by AIER Eye Hospital Group, this 15-day training program welcomes 15 ophthalmologists from six countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including participants from Pakistan, Algeria, Indonesia, Morocco, Mongolia, and Mexico.
Throughout the course, attendees will receive specialized training in cataract phacoemulsification techniques, as reported by China Economic Net (CEN) on Tuesday.
Sara Ben Addou Idrissi, an ophthalmologist from Morocco, highlighted the urgent need to address cataracts, a leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide, especially in resource-limited regions where patients often lack timely access to treatment.
“This training will empower us to tackle this challenge and reignite hope for countless patients. I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained when I return to Morocco, significantly improving the quality of life for our patients,” Idrissi stated.
The course will utilize the “AIER International Clinical Training Center,” offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes theoretical lectures, hands-on surgical training, simulator practice, video critiques, operating room observations, and thematic workshops.
Renowned ophthalmology experts will guide participants in cataract prevention and phacoemulsification techniques, aiming to develop professionals in developing countries, share China’s surgical expertise, and enhance cooperation in blindness prevention and eye care technology.
This training program is the only ophthalmology aid initiative supported by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology for developing countries, focusing on improving cataract diagnosis and treatment capabilities. It also aims to foster academic and clinical exchanges between China and nations along the Belt and Road Initiative.
Since 2012, the program has hosted nine international training courses, training hundreds of ophthalmologists from various developing nations and benefiting tens of thousands of cataract patients, contributing to the global fight against blindness.
