Restoring sight with Tshemba Foundation

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Envision Africa is proud to continue its collaboration with the Tshemba Foundation, a medical volunteering non-profit organisation based in the northeastern part of Mpumalanga, South Africa. This partnership, which began in 2019, has grown to support critical eye care services in under-resourced rural communities.

Through this partnership, Envision Africa provides regular complimentary servicing of vital surgical equipment like the Catarex3, in-house training, and continuous support tailored to the needs of volunteer surgeons and ophthalmic support staff. Additionally, we supply customised surgeon settings and donate cataract eye packs. These packs play an essential role in reducing theatre preparation time and creating a stress-free surgical environment.

Together with Tshemba Foundation’s dedicated volunteer surgical teams, we have performed over 1,300 cataract procedures. These life-changing surgeries take place at Tintswalo Hospital, a government facility equipped with a fully stocked eye clinic.

Cataract Camps: Restoring Vision, Changing Lives

Cataract camps, held over weekends, are a cornerstone of this collaboration. These camps address the urgent need for cataract surgeries among patients who have limited access to eye care services. The seamless teamwork between Tshemba Foundation, Tintswalo Hospital, and Envision Africa ensures that these events run smoothly.

Every cataract camp exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, bringing together surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nursing staff, and representatives from Envision Africa and Tshemba Foundation. This model of efficient and compassionate healthcare delivery highlights the transformative impact of partnerships in restoring vision and changing lives.

For more information on the Tshemba Foundation and ways to support their mission, visit www.tshembafoundation.org.

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An extraordinary learning experience! The 12th Thessaloniki International Vitreo-Retinal Summer School (TVRS)

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Thessaloniki, Greece – The 12th TVRS recently concluded with great success, leaving lasting impressions on all participants. A diverse group of participants, ranging from novices to experienced VR surgeons, attended the course.

The summer school boasted an impressive line-up of 53 subject matter experts (coaches), who catered to the needs of the 48 participants. The course format offered a combination of high-level didactic sessions along with hands-on coaching in a wet lab environment. Participants were able to engage, one-on-one with the coaches in an informal setting, fostering an understanding for each individual participant.

 

 

Covering a broad spectrum of topics, the TVRS explored the posterior segment of the eye with reference to relevant anterior matters. Ground-breaking technologies were showcased, providing valuable insights into the future of retinal surgery. The event featured close to 30 wet lab stations along with a state-of-the-art VR Magic retinal surgical simulator.

A highlight of the programme was the scoring of participants’ proficiency using the VR simulator, along with a comprehensive final exam covering all subjects presented during the week. Eighteen participants represented South Africa. In addition, two South African members, Dr. Marissa Willemse and Dr. Bernard Wolff, served on the Scientific faculty and eloquently delivered insightful presentations in their respective areas of expertise.

 

 

After long and rewarding days, participants were treated to the renowned Greek hospitality, reinforcing Thessaloniki’s reputation as the food capital of Greece. The event concluded with a sense of accomplishment and a desire to build on the knowledge gained in the field of Vitreo-Retinal surgery.

 

 

The larger-than-life TVRS director, Prof. Athanasios Nikolakopoulos succeeded in delivering a world-class learning experience, as well as making each and everyone feel as if they were part of the TVRS “family”.

The Envision Africa team, consisting of Amy Prinsloo and our CEO James Wright were extremely proud to be part of this event and enjoyed showcasing the Oertli OS 4. Three advanced Oertli OS 4’s were made available to participants in the wet lab. This was an exceptional experience for Envision Africa and we cannot wait for the next TVRS.

 

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TROCAR-BASED CHANDELIER VITRECTOMY

Chandelier illumination provides true bimanual manipulation during vitreoretinal surgery.

Our flexible chandelier solution is fitted with a flexible light fibre. This provides global visibility of the fundus for all surgical maneuvers in the posterior segment.

All chandelier illuminators from Oertli offer one-step access through a quick trocar-based solution in either 3-or 4-port vitrectomy surgeries. Due to the reliable snap-lock connection an accurate fixation into any Oertli Caliburn trocar is ensured. The surgeon can expect an extra wide and homogeneous illumination, as well as postoperative tight sclerotomies.

All light instruments have a comfort magnetic connector to the posterior platforms.

 

 

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