The ICEE strategy for developing the eye care human resources for Malawi is a collaborative approach, partnering with local public universities in each specific location. In this partnership, the local university hosts the ICEE Global Curriculum for Optometry which enables the training of two kinds of optometrists; an optometry technician who is a diploma holder and a degree qualified optometrist who goes through the four year programme.

This model of human resources development is now running at Mzuzu University and Malawi College of Health Sciences in Malawi, Lurio University in Mozambique, Asmara College of Health Sciences in Eritrea and Gambia Refraction School. All the graduates are expected to be employed by the respective Ministries of Health so they can provide optometric services in the public sector which is lacking optometrists.

The course at the Mzuzu University in Malawi is supported by a consortium of three organizations: ICEE, Optometry Giving Sight and Sight Savers. The programme began in April 2008 and currently there are 24 students in Years 1, 2 and three with three full time expatriate lecturers. The first batch of optometrists is expected to graduate in April 2011 with a BSc. Optometry.

Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS) admitted its first 20 students in October 2010. The students are currently half way through the two year training to graduate with a diploma as Optometry Technicians. Both MCHS and Mzuzu University will soon have a regional school and allow students from neighboring countries in Southern Africa to be enrolled. There are currently three ICEE trained refractionists working in the public health service in Malawi.

Funders:

• ICEE
• Optometry Giving Sight
• Sight Savers

Partners:

• IAPB
• Ministry of Health Malawi
• Malawi College of Health Sciences
• Mzuzu University