The ASCRS Foundation’s Robert M. Sinskey Pediatric Eyecare Clinic Now Treats 350 Patients a Month
The ASCRS Foundation’s Robert M. Sinskey Pediatric Eyecare Clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia currently treats 350 patients per month. Named for California ophthalmologist and former ASCRS President, Robert M. Sinskey, MD, as a way to recognize his long history of involvement with Ethiopia and humanitarian care, the Sinskey Clinic is one of the few permanent facilities offering phacoemulsification cataract surgery in the entire Horn of Africa.
The Sinskey Clinic opened in November 2005 and employs a full-time Ethiopian ophthalmologist, Kefyalew Regassa Gobena, MD, as well as nurses, a pharmacist and administrative staff. Through the ongoing support of individual ophthalmologists and numerous corporate partners, the surgical equipment and supplies needed to outfit the clinic and provide nearly two years of continuous patient care have been obtained. “AMO, Alcon, Bausch and Lomb, Carl Zeiss, Rhein Medical and BD Ophthalmic have been incredibly generous in providing the equipment and supplies to move this project forward,” said ASCRS Foundation Chairman, I. Howard Fine, MD.
Ethiopia presents a particularly challenging problem. Only 80 ophthalmologists serve a population of over 71 million. Eye disease is prevalent and many must travel long distances for even the most basic treatment.
The Sinskey Clinic is slowly moving towards its goal of eventual self-sufficiency. By treating both paying and charitable cases, the clinic currently generates a portion of the income necessary to fund its humanitarian efforts. Until complete self-sufficiency can be achieved, however, donations of equipment, supplies, and operating funds are constantly needed to make up the shortfall and enable the clinic to continue providing care to all who need it.
ASCRS Members interested in contributing to the foundation’s Ethiopian project can forward donations to: ASCRS Foundation, 4000 Legato Road, Suite 700, Fairfax, VA 22033. All contributions to the ASCRS Foundation are tax-deductible.
View some additional photos of the ASCRS Foundation Robert Sinskey Clinic.
