Experts Warn of Rising Blindness Due to Unsafe Eye Treatments in Malawi
Eye health professionals in Malawi are warning against unsafe eye treatments that are increasing cases of avoidable blindness. Experts urge public compliance with trained specialists, discuss the necessity for contact lens inclusion in hospitals, and recommend government reforms to improve eye care services.
In Malawi, eye health professionals are sounding the alarm about an alarming trend involving unverified and unsafe eye treatments. This trend, they claim, is leading to an increase in cases of avoidable blindness. During the 25th Annual General Meeting of the Malawi Optometry Association, important voices like Mwachumu Chipala, Compliance Officer at the Medical Council of Malawi, stressed the dangers of seeking eye care from untrained individuals.
Chipala pointed out a significant challenge facing the community: many people are relying on unqualified insiders for their eye health. “One of our biggest challenges is that people are turning to untrained individuals for eye care,” he noted. He further highlighted the risks associated with using unknown substances, particularly during outbreaks like pink eye. He reminded that the eye is fragile, saying, “Once it’s damaged, there’s no replacing it.”
The meeting did not just paint a grim picture; it also called for reforms. Participants emphasized the critical need for all eye care practitioners to register officially with authorities, adhering strictly to the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act and established professional ethics to enhance patient safety and care standards.
Cassim Adams, chairperson of the Malawi Optometry Association, identified another important issue: the lack of contact lenses in public hospitals. “We commend the government for its efforts in providing surgical camps and glasses,” he said, adding that contact lenses are essential too, particularly for patients healing from eye injuries.
Adams, an optometrist from Mzimba, elaborated on the significance of therapeutic lenses, commonly known as bandage contact lenses. These are vital for not only protecting injured eyes but also aiding in healing and improving vision almost simultaneously.
In light of these gaps, the Malawi Optometry Association is taking action. They are urging the Ministry of Health and development partners to incorporate contact lens services into the national healthcare system, arguing that this could vastly improve care standards for thousands suffering from different eye conditions.
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Malawi’s eye health landscape is facing pressing challenges with the rise of unsafe treatments and a lack of essential resources, such as contact lenses in public hospitals. Experts call for urgent reforms to ensure proper registration of practitioners and the integration of critical eye care services into national health policies. This could significantly elevate standards of care and prevent avoidable blindness in the community.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
