Project Morning Star Phase III focuses on improving the eye health and vision care of children in China, giving them a brighter future. As of June 2023, we have successfully achieved our second major milestone. Let’s review the project’s most significant moments so far!
Providing training for eye health professionals
As of June 2023, Project Morning Star Phase III has successfully trained 306 eye health professionals, exceeding the original project completion target by a whopping 340%! In May 2023, we offered specialised training on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) to ophthalmic medical staff from partner hospitals in Yunnan and Guangxi. A total of 250 health professionals joined the programme – double the predicted number. We were thrilled to see the high level of enthusiasm and engagement from local medical personnel and hope that this training will help them provide improved eye health services for children.
Conducting children’s vision screening
Vision screening is an essential step in identifying common eye diseases in children, including myopia, strabismus and amblyopia. As of June 2023, we have successfully provided vision screening to 196,612 children. Those that have been diagnosed with eye diseases have been promptly referred to provincial hospitals for further examination and treatment. Thanks to Project Morning Star Phase III, eight underprivileged children underwent ophthalmic surgery in two years.
Establishing subcentres in underdeveloped areas
The establishment of project subcentres can significantly enhance county- and city-level medical service systems, improving children’s local ophthalmic eye care services. Currently, there are eight project subcentres, including five county/prefecture level subcentres established in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and two in Yunnan Province, which were established during the project’s second phase. Furthermore, Jebsen supports the establishment of a Children’s Eye Health Resource and Training Centre in Shanghai, which aims to provide improved equipment and more comprehensive and professional ophthalmic training.
“National Eye Care Day” event
In celebration of “National Eye Care Day” on June 6, we supported our partner hospital, Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Centre (SEDPTC), in collaboration with hospitals in Ningxia, Guangxi and other regions to organise a range of child-friendly eye health education activities. We also provided training for eye health professionals in these areas, equipping them with the essential knowledge and comprehensive skills required to promote children’s eye health.
Project Morning Star Phase III has yielded impressive results to date and our 2023 field trip will be held later this year – so please stay tuned!