A seven-member team of experienced ophthalmologists from Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT) has been selected to arrange eye camps to conduct over 400 cataract surgeries in Niamey, Niger from January 31 to February 7.

In a press conference, Coordinator General COMSTECH Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary said that the Pakistani mission will also conduct a workshop to train local doctors on surgery with phacoemulsification using Operation Theater and other available facilities at a tertiary hospital 

Choudhary said that the Niger authorities are satisfied with the performance of the COMSTECH-LRBT team and requesting for regular visits of the ophthalmologists to conduct eye surgeries. 

These visits are part of the COMSTECH program of health and higher education for Africa, he added.

Choudhary said that the Niger authorities are satisfied with the performance of the COMSTECH-LRBT team and requesting for regular visits of the ophthalmologists to conduct eye surgeries. These visits are part of the COMSTECH program of health and higher education for Africa.

The COMSTECH program of health and higher education for Africa includes a number of programs for capacity building in areas of ophthalmology, dermatology, neurology, and telemedicine for the benefit of people of Africa mentioned Prof. Choudhary.

The objectives are to provide free high-quality sight-restoring cataract surgeries, provide post-operative treatment, reduce blindness-related poverty and eliminate reliance on assistance of others, build the capacity of local health professionals during the campaign to identify eye problems, screen, and provide care, which will include treatment and referral, training of ophthalmologists on Phaco alternative.

Mr. Abdul Haleem Asghar, who is looking after the COMSTECH Africa program, and Mr. Murtaza Noor, Media Advisor COMSTECH were also present at the press conference.