From our experience over the years of working in Upper Egypt, CIN has noticed a high prevalence of visual impairment and blindness amongst the region’s population, particularly among women. Cataract, in particular, is known to affect at least one-quarter of the region’s population. These data are backed by several studies.

To combat visual impairment and in collaboration with the Diocese of Assiut, CIN developed an eye specialist hospital in the Abnoub district that aims to provide treatment to patients with eye diseases in Upper Egypt. The first phase (outpatient suites) of the hospital was launched in October 2017 in the presence of Bishop Lucas. The second phase will launch in the first quarter of  2018. The site has multiple consultation rooms and operating theatres equipped with the latest high-tech medical equipments. Training is provided by highly qualified ophthalmology consultants from the UK who train Egyptian ophthalmologists and nurses.

There are two major components to this project, namely Screening, and Management and Treatment

A.     Screening

CIN has decided to reach out to our families in Abnoub and the surrounding villages using mobile vans equipped with eye screening facilities and specialist nurses to conduct the initial eye test. The service focuses on identifying patients with eye diseases followed by forwarding the cases to the hospital.

B.     Management and Treatment

Treatment varies between medical and surgical intervention and takes place in the hospital. There will be three pathways for patients to attend the hospital: Self-referral, following the screening process, or local referral. Patients will be charged according to the management process. Those who cannot pay the relevant charges will be assessed case-by-case and CIN will support them. CIN has set strict criteria to identify those in need who will be offered CIN support.