By Precious D Freeman
The New Sight Eye Center (NSEC) Ophthalmic Training Program has graduated another batch of Ophthalmic Nurses, after their completion of the required course of studies.
The four students who earned advanced diploma in Ophthalmic Nursing will join the already eye healthcare providers alumnae from the NSEC Ophthalmic Training Program in the delivery of eye healthcare services to the people of Liberia.
The graduates now possess a comprehensive knowledge, experience, and skills in eye healthcare management, and will assist ophthalmologists and optometrists in prevention of blindness and treatment of various eye problems.
Besides, graduates will be joining their colleagues in the eye healthcare delivery of the country to help people affected by various refractive errors to understand and manage their conditions, among others.
Providing an overview of the Training Program, the Executive Director of the New Sight Eye Center (NSEC), Robert F. Dolo, said the vision to establish the Ophthalmic Training Program was to increase the number of eye healthcare specialists, to close the wide gap that Liberia is facing when it comes to professional eye healthcare practitioners.
“Over the past years, the NSEC Ophthalmic Training Program has put out a considerable number of eye specialists, who are today assigned at a number of health centers across the country, who are addressing many of the eye problems, which I am grateful for,” Dolo said.
Serving as keynote speaker recently at the sixth graduation ceremony of the NSEC Ophthalmic Training Program in Paynesville, the Standard Bearer of the Liberia First Movement, Sheikh Al Moustapha Kouyateh, underscored the importance of investing in eye health as a means to protect against blindness, improve the vision of citizens, and address the need for increased mid-level eye health professionals in the workforce.
Sheikh Kouyateh praised NSEC for its unwavering commitment to restoring and protecting the sight of Liberians through dedication to transform the lives of countless individuals, by giving them the precious gift of vision and hope.
“The significance of investing in The New Sight Eye Center Ophthalmic Program and more eye doctors cannot be overstated. Our eyes are our windows to the world, allowing us to experience its beauty, navigate our surroundings, and connect with others.
However, we must acknowledge that visual health is vulnerable and can be threatened by various eye-related conditions and diseases,” said the Liberian politician.
“By expanding our pool of skilled eye doctors, we can reach more individuals in need and provide them with the specialized care required to preserve their eyesight. That is why the investment in mid-level eye healthcare workers is a crucial step in ensuring that eye care services reach every corner of our society. These mid-level professionals, such as ophthalmic technicians and opticians, work alongside ophthalmologists and optometrists, providing essential support and expanding the capacity of eye care delivery,” he furthered.
Sheikh Kouyateh indicated that the New Sight Eye Center Ophthalmic Program has recognized this need and has equipped its graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill these roles as mid-level eye healthcare workers.
He cautioned the graduates, that as they are leaving this institution, they must carry with them the ability to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities by embracing their role with dedication and compassion, because they are the bridge that connects patients to the specialized care people need.
Moreover, Kouyateh urged the graduates to make use of their ability to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
“Investing in mid-level eye health professionals not only addresses the growing demand for eye care services, but also promotes accessibility and affordability.
These professionals play a vital role in screening and diagnosing eye conditions, assisting in surgical procedures, fitting and dispensing eyeglasses, and providing patient education. By strengthening the mid-level workforce, we can ensure that more people have access to timely and affordable eye care, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location,” he stated.
“Graduates, today marks the beginning of a tremendous responsibility, that is the responsibility to be the advocates for visual health, the champions of eye care accessibility. As you embark on your professional journey as mid-level eye healthcare workers, remember the significance of your role.
Each patient you encounter is an opportunity to make a difference, to empower individuals with the gift of sight, and to contribute to the overall well-being of our society,” Sheikh Kouyateh concluded.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Boakai Kanneh said they were not only able to gain invaluable knowledge and skills in ophthalmology, but also learned the importance of empathy, compassion, and patient-centered care.
“These lessons will guide us as we step into the world of healthcare, ready to make a difference in the lives of our patients,” Kanneh said.
He reminded fellow graduates to remember the ethics of the News Sight Eye Center – to provide quality eye care with compassion and integrity by holding these values in their practice and continue to learn, grow, and serve the country to the best of their abilities.
Kanneh also expressed the graduates’ thanks and appreciation to their mentors and instructors at the New Sight Eye Center for the guidance and support.
He said they, including their family members and friends’ support, enabled them as graduates to be successful today.
