Capacity Building and Training
Low vision is one of the most neglected areas of eye care in Africa, with an estimated 12 million people in need of services. Many of those affected are children who have never received appropriate eye exams, assessments, or vision-enhancing interventions.
The Clinical Low Vision Training course, facilitated by the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology (KCCO) and hosted at Kitwe Central Hospital in Zambia, provides essential clinical skills and knowledge for delivering low vision care. While the course places strong emphasis on paediatric care, it also addresses the growing demand for adult and elderly services.
The training is delivered in two distinct phases—covering both foundational and advanced concepts—with a focus on clinical application, communication, and patient-centered care.
Course Objectives
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Understand the scope and impact of low vision in Africa
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Build practical skills for evaluating and managing low vision in children and adults
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Learn to prescribe low vision devices and support tools effectively
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Develop strategies for school inclusion and community participation for children with low vision
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Strengthen low vision care within existing paediatric and general ophthalmology units
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Expand sustainable service models for long-term patient support and follow-up
Expected Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
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Conduct low vision assessments across age groups
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Recommend and fit appropriate low vision devices
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Integrate low vision care into clinic and hospital-based services
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Promote education and independence for children with low vision
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Design service delivery models that include rehabilitation and follow-up care
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Contribute to developing sustainable low vision services in their institutions
Course Outline
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Part 1 (January 7–11): Basic clinical low vision care, with a focus on children
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Part 2 (January 14–15): Advanced techniques for low vision care in adults and the elderly
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Low vision epidemiology in Africa
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Paediatric low vision evaluation and management
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Device selection, fitting, and usage training
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Rehabilitation strategies and educational integration
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Adult low vision care and aging populations
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Building and managing low vision programmes in African settings
Training Methods
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Lectures and expert-led discussions
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Hands-on clinical sessions
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Case-based learning
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Practical demonstrations and assignments
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Peer feedback and group learning
Contact & Coordination
Course Coordinator
Website
Contact Number
Location
Kitwe Central Hospital, Zambia
Facilitated by KCCO with international faculty from Nepal and the Netherlands