Connie is a clinical officer living in Zambia who now is able to conduct eye screenings and prescribe glasses to those in need within her community.
Vision Action met Connie in 2019 when she took part in a refraction training course, run by our professional volunteers. The course upskills existing health professionals, ophthalmic nurses and optical clinical offices, so they can conduct eye examinations, prescribe and dispense glasses, and make appropriate referrals for more serious eye conditions.
“I have learnt a lot in terms of optometry, refracting, diagnosing, and treating refractive errors and other eye problems. How to refer appropriately for those patients who need surgical intervention.”
In words of Connie: “The knowledge I have gained will help me to open a vision centre at our facility, as we do not have an eye clinic within the district of Chitambo. This knowledge will help people in my district who have eye problems.” Currently, Connie works in a Vision Centre and wishes to further her knowledge as a clinical officer ophthalmologist.