News and notices. Comm Eye Health Vol. 15 No. 44 2002. December 01, 2002

Ophthalmic operating practice: a manual for developing countries

Ingrid Cox & Sue Stevens

The worldwide effort to eliminate avoidable blindness, as outlined in the Vision 2020 campaign, requires the training of people involved and working in ophthalmic operating theatres. This Manual will make a major and significant contribution towards realising that aim.

This 250 page publication has 7 chapters:

  • Ophthalmic Operations

  • Ophthalmic Surgical Instruments

  • Equipment

  • Control of Infection

  • Sterilization and Disinfection

  • Patient Care in Theatre

  • Operating Theatre Administration.

Each chapter is clearly set out, provides well researched current practices as well as practical advice particularly relevant to working in ophthalmic operating theatres in the developing world. Additionally, the list of learning resources and suppliers addresses provides very comprehensive coverage of the subject.

A successful surgical outcome is the product of many different but related factors. The surgeon’s skill will be of no advantage, if surgical instruments are not adequately sterilized and carefully handled. This Manual will enable ophthalmic operating theatre workers to have a reference text to which they can confidently turn.

For those ex-patriate eye workers who have had the privilege of working in the developing world, the huge need for a comprehensive and authoritative text on ophthalmic operating theatre practice has been evident for many years. This has been especially true when planning to teach ophthalmic theatre practice. This gap in the literature has now been magnificently filled by the energy, effort and determination of Ingrid Cox and Sue Stevens.

News and notices in Comm Eye Health Vol. 15 No. 44 2002 –