News and notices

The cataract surgery case mix study: establishing the preoperative visual acuity of cataract patients worldwide

The International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH) is asking ophthalmologists from all over the world to become part of a research network.

In the network's first study, we would like to detail the variation in preoperative vision of patients undergoing cataract surgery in different countries. This information is essential when planning effective VISION 2020 programmes to eliminate cataract blindness.

We will be asking network members to record preoperative visual acuity on 100 consecutive patients undergoing cataract surgery. The study is anticipated to start in 2009.

Anyone who takes part in the study will be acknowledged in the resulting publication.

If you or your institution would like some more information on how to get involved please contact either Dr Shaheen Shah (Shaheen.Shah@Lshtm.ac.uk) or Dr Robert Lindfield (Robert.Lindfield@Lshtm.ac.uk).

Notice to ICEH alumni

The ICEH is currently working hard to improve the ICEH Alumni Network, to increase our communication with our alumni and enhance the working relationships between alumni. We have several exciting new projects underway, including an Alumni Mentoring Network. For information, go to: www.iceh.org.uk/display/WEBALU/Alumni

If you are an ICEH alumnus and you have not received emails about this project, please send an email to Elizabeth.Mercer@Lshtm.ac.uk to get back in touch. If you know someone who is an ICEH alumnus who is not in touch with us, please encourage him/her to contact us.

Standard list for a VISION 2020 eye care service unit

This newly revised edition contains additional sections on paediatric and general anaesthesia. It can be downloaded on www.v2020.org For a print version, please send your name, occupation, and address to: Teaching Aids at Low Cost (TALC), PO Box 49, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 5TX, UK. Email: info@talcuk.org Website: www.talcuk.org/featured-publishers.htm Cost is UK £ 3 plus post and packing (free to low- and middle-income countries).