Surgeons, nurses, technicians, researchers, managers, policymakers, and trainees gathered in Suva yesterday for a three-day Fiji Ophthalmic Talanoa Workshop at Suva’s Holiday Inn, a focused gathering designed to sharpen eye care across the Pacific. The event is led in part by Peter Raynes, the program director at The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, who noted that over the past 15 years the Pacific Eye Institute and its partners have been central to strengthening eye health across the region.
Raynes highlighted that the initiative has trained 227 ophthalmologists and eye nurses across 14 Pacific Island countries, built regional networks of support, and fostered research and innovation tailored to Pacific needs. The workshop brings together technical specialists and local experts to create a rare space for updating knowledge, comparing approaches, and discussing what works best in Pacific settings.
Participants can expect to delve into key topics and practical skill-building, guided by leading experts:
– Deepening understanding of biometry, small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) and phacoemulsification, IVI techniques, and responding to other eye conditions
– Exploring challenges and adaptations required for Pacific health systems
– Empowering nurses and technicians to apply skills in diverse and sometimes resource-limited settings
– Linking every new insight to the ultimate outcome: better vision and better lives for communities served
Context and significance:
This workshop sits within a broader, ongoing push to improve eye health in Fiji and the wider Pacific, including community outreach and school-based programs that have reached thousands. Recent regional efforts underscore a growing commitment to accessible eye care, capacity-building, and sustainable services for all.
Recent related efforts in Fiji:
– A five-day free eye screening program conducted by the Sai Prema Foundation in collaboration with international partners provided eye care to thousands, with more than 2,400 people screened and glasses provided, emphasizing government support for regular outreach and school-based screenings.
– Nationwide and mobile eye clinics operated by Island Eye Clinic and New Vision of Fiji are rolling out to communities, with plans to expand infrastructure, including a proposed mini-private hospital in Suva, to improve access to specialist eye care.
– Large-scale school screenings have demonstrated positive outcomes, with tens of thousands of children and teachers assessed in recent campaigns; initial findings suggest low prevalence of vision problems in targeted areas, reinforcing the value of early intervention and community education.
The Fiji Ophthalmic Talanoa Workshop represents a concrete step in continuing regional leadership on eye health, reinforcing training pipelines, service delivery, and collaborative networks across the Pacific. By strengthening local capacity and aligning with broader regional and international health initiatives, Fiji is contributing to healthier communities and improved quality of life through better vision.
A multisector effort in Suva brings together a wide range of eye health professionals to update skills, share best practices, and address the unique needs of Pacific health systems, complemented by ongoing free eye screenings and community outreach that are expanding access to vision care across Fiji.
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