A shortage of Rwandan eye surgeons inspired Dr Emmanuel Byamukama to pursue a career in the field, with The Foundation’s support. He now plays a key role in restoring sight to hundreds of people in his country.

Dr Byamukama has been head of ophthalmology at Gisenyi Hospital for three months now. At the hospital, 100 kilometres north-west of the country’s capital, Kigali, he helps  40-60 eye patients each day.

“I decided to be an ophthalmologist after identifying a gap in ophthalmology in Rwanda,” he said.

“My happiest moments are when I see post-operation cases with very good outcomes.”

Eye health in Rwanda remains critical - a 2006 survey found that cataracts are responsible for more than 65 percent of blindness cases. Dr Byamukama’s duties are broad and range from managing the everyday operations of the hospital’s eye department to responding to emergencies.

Dr Byamukama is grateful for the training members of his team have received with The Foundation’s support. At present, eye operations are only performed one day per week at the hospital. Additional resources would allow a dedicated operating theatre to be established, providing the infrastructure for many more sight-restoring operations.

In addition to providing surgical training, The Foundation also supports the education of ophthalmic nurses, like Kamanzi Safi who recently completed her ophthalmic nurse training in Uganda.

Safi has worked at Gisenyi Hospital for five years and at an eye clinic on the hospital grounds for the past two years. Because of staff shortages she must be versatile - assisting as a theatre nurse, dispensing prescriptions and maintaining medical records.

“I am always happy when I am able to assist patients,” said Safi.