Aiyub S, Nasedra L, Chong C, Tappoo K, Verma N

Biography:

To follow

Abstract:

Background: Timely paediatric cataract and strabismus surgery prevents lifelong visual impairment, but services in low-resource settings are vulnerable to workforce and system instability. This report describes Fiji’s multisectoral response to sustain paediatric eye surgery after local capacity gaps emerged.

Methods: From Sept 2022–Oct 2024, Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) and Pacific Eye Institute (PEI) established a paediatric general anaesthesia platform and delivered cataract surgery by two local consultants. Following their departure in late 2024, CWMH convened regional partners (PEI, RANZCO, Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, visiting paediatric ophthalmologists from India and New Zealand) to address backlog and service fragility. Collaborative planning enabled use of SSSSCH operating facilities, shared anaesthesia and nursing support, donated equipment/consumables, and in-theatre mentorship.

Results: The partnership facilitated Fiji’s first collaborative strabismus surgeries involving local teams and a visiting RANZCO paediatric ophthalmologist, restored sight for multiple children, and initiated structured mentorship. Local clinicians, notably Dr Lilly Dakuliga, gained hands-on surgical experience and ongoing skill transfer.

Conclusion: Sustaining paediatric ophthalmic services in Fiji depended on regional partnerships, shared infrastructure, and workforce development rather than episodic visiting missions alone. Priorities moving forward include securing equipment donations, strengthening procurement and referral pathways, and establishing fellowship/training opportunities to develop a resilient, regionally networked paediatric eye care hub.