Haitian ophthalmologists to receive aid in rebuilding eye care practices

February 25, 2010

In an effort to improve eye care in Haiti, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is providing complimentary membership for the 2010-2011 year for all Haitian ophthalmologists so they can receive the best training. This will hopefully enable them to provide quality eye care to residents.

In addition to membership, Haitian ophthalmologists will also receive aid in rebuilding their practices from the Task Force on Haiti Relief, according to Medical News Today. The Academy believes these efforts will help improve the quality of eye care in the country, which was devastated by an earthquake in January.

"We are proud to welcome our Haitian colleagues into the Academy and to offer all of the corresponding benefits," Dr David W. Parke II, executive vice president and CEO of the Academy, told the news provider. "We believe that the Academy's educational resources will be of great value for our colleagues as they work to rebuild the ophthalmic infrastructure in Haiti."

Other organizations and schools have been doing what they can to help with eye care in Haiti by collecting used eyeglasses to send to those in need.