[Ophthalmologists without borders in Northern Cameroon].
Ophthalmologist without Borders (OWB) is a non-governmental organization founded in 1987 that operates mainly through medical and surgical care centers located in northern Cameroon. The goal of OWB is advancement of the fight against blindness and low vision in the third world. To achieve this goal OWB has four activities. In less than 10 years OWB has dispensed more than 90,000 consultations not only to patients with cataracts, the first cause of curable blindness, but also to numerous patients with conjunctivitis. Surgical therapy is another major activity of the OWB which has performed over 15,000 procedures with cataracts accounting for 85% of indications. Results have been encouraging but have demonstrated the need for dauntless surgeons and the importance of postoperative follow-up. Prevention and screening are priorities that are being progressively implemented. Training is an essential part of the mission of OWB with the ultimate aim being to leave local physicians and nurses with adequate facilities.
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D'Ophtalmo Sans Frontières, Luçon, France.
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D001766:Blindness / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002163:Cameroon; D003150:Community Health Workers; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology