The Gambia – Swansea Vision 2020 Eye Link

The Gambia – Swansea Vision 2020 Link

Newsletter

Issue 1 – September 2008

Thank you

Firstly, we would like to thank everyone involved with The Gambia-Swansea Eye Link so far. The team’s return visit to Singleton in June was a great success. Their trip involved a tour of the hospital and community services that manage eye care and presentations from experts at the Trust and University.

The African visitors also met the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress at the Guildhall, along with their Trust hosts, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ophthalmology units in Swansea and The Gambia.

A three year action plan was also started which details the aims and objectives to be achieved through the Vision 2020 link.

Funding and Charity work

Raising money for the eye link is currently the most important objective. We are trying to secure a Grant from the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) and also from the Welsh Assembly.

A charity fund has been set up with St. David’s Medical Foundation. Posters are being designed to promote the cause.

What Happens Next?

At present, The Gambian team is finalising the three year action plan. Once this has been completed, we will be able to focus on more specific aims and objectives and future visits can be planned appropriately.

The Gambian team will also be analysing their patient data to find out the need and demand for future services.

The Steering Committee in Singleton are holding monthly business meetings and a larger, bi-annual meeting will be held for other parties to get involved.