From November 25–29, 2024, Dr. Peter Kertes and his fellow, Dr. Gareth Mercer, delivered vitreoretinal surgical training in Lusaka, Zambia, for the local retina specialist and ophthalmology residents. Conducted in partnership with Orbis International, this initiative reflects the University of Toronto’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ophthalmic training capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. The program was enthusiastically received, with both hosts and visiting faculty recognizing its direct impact on advancing regional expertise in retinal disease management.
Developing a sufficient workforce of skilled eye health professionals is essential to addressing the disproportionately high rates of avoidable blindness in the region. Programs like this play a vital role in building sustainable clinical capacity and fostering international collaboration.
In July 2025, Dr. Gareth Mercer participated in an Orbis International training program in Kigali, Rwanda, for residents of the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology. Conducted aboard the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, the program provided intensive simulation-based instruction across subspecialties including medical retina, glaucoma, strabismus, and cataract surgery. Dr. Mercer’s sessions focused on indirect ophthalmoscopy and retinal photocoagulation—skills particularly important given the rising prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. By equipping residents to deliver cost-effective laser treatments, the program supports both immediate improvements in patient care and long-term reductions in the social and economic burden of vision loss.
Dr. Peter Kertes and his fellow, Dr. Ismail Dindar, travelled to Kitwe, Zambia in the copper belt of this southern African nation for a hospital based surgical retina training program from Sept. 15-19. They helped to launch a surgical retina program at the Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital. It was the first time that retina surgery was done in the hospital since 2012. We worked closely with Dr. Elvis Numwa to expand his skills, identify gaps, and consider ways in which care in his community can be expanded and improved. continuing the collaborative hospital-based training model that emphasizes surgical education, mentorship, and institutional partnership. Ongoing engagement by faculty and fellows strengthens local clinical capacity while advancing the shared goal of reducing avoidable and treatable blindness across sub-Saharan Africa.
ORBIS Trip to Zambia: A Fellow’s Perspective By Dr. Ismail Dindar
The recent ORBIS mission to Zambia was an immensely rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to contribute to both theoretical presentations and hands-on surgical education. One of the most meaningful aspects of the mission was witnessing tangible improvements in patient care—outcomes that reflect the impact of both the recent Hands-on Basic Training (Hospital-Based Training, HBT) in retinal surgery and the earlier Phaco Development (PD) HBT, in which I was privileged to serve as part of the Southern African PD faculty.
A personal highlight was being invited by Dr. Tendei, a participant from the earlier PD programme, to assist with a case. It was deeply inspiring to see how the training had translated into clinical confidence and surgical skill. Observing Dr. Peter Kertes mentor the team and witnessing the continued growth of the vitreoretinal service was both educational and motivating.
Although resource limitations remain a challenge, I am optimistic that future missions will continue to address these gaps. Participating in the HBT as a fellow allowed me not only to learn from the ORBIS team but also to share my own experience with local practitioners.
The mission provided valuable insight into ophthalmology in a resource-limited setting and reinforced the importance of sustainable, collaborative education in improving access to quality eye care. The knowledge and perspective gained will undoubtedly inform my future work and contributions to similar capacity-building initiatives.
