OCULOPLASTIC TRAINING AND ITS ROLE IN EYE CARE SERVICES IN A NIGERIA TERTIARY HOSPITAL

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Oculoplasty subspecialty in Ophthalmology was barely 7 years in Nigeria. National statistics show an increased number of cases that should have benefitted from this expertise that is rare. As a result of this deficit, a consultant ophthalmologist was sent to Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Chennai, India for 3 months oculoplastic training with the help of International Council Ophthalmology (ICO).
To evaluate the role of oculoplastic training in eye-service care in our hospital, all patients seen at our oculoplastic unit during the 8 months period from April to November 2017, had information extracted from their medical record. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 20.
Out of 53 patients seen 30 (56.65) were males and 23 (43.4%) were females. Majority 10 (18.9%) were diagnosed with a traumatic irreparable ruptured globe, while 10 (18.9%) had congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Page 7 of 23 https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/sljbr Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research Oculoplastic training and its role in eye care services in a Nigeria tertiary hospital for Review Only 2 Thirty-six (67.9%) patients had surgery and 10 (18.9%) were successfully managed with lacrimal sac massage for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children. Majority 10(18.9%) of the surgery were evisceration with primary ocular implants. One patient with clinically significant orbital floor fracture was referred. Four cases of congenital ptosis declined surgery. This expertise resulted in increased patient turnout by 30% and income to the department, while it saves cost to patients who need not be referred.
The skills acquired from oculoplastic training have help in rendering oculoplastic services to the people of Kebbi State and its environs at a reduced cost. Also, there is improved internally generated revenue to the hospital. The importance of skill transfers and subspecialty training is underscored. Keywords: oculoplastic; subspecialty training; Kebbi State; tertiary hospital