Phacoemulsification Training in Rwanda: How an intensive phacoemulsification training program helped develop advanced ophthalmic procedures in the country

News from our associate member Kabgayi Eye Unit

The idea of running an intensive phacoemulsification training program in Rwanda began with a simple email exchange. Olivia Earley reached out to ask if there was any way she could support the work in Rwanda. The conversation quickly turned to a practical question: could she come and help train two Rwandan ophthalmologists in phacoemulsification, who were recently graduated from the residency programme. They had established microsurgical skills, including manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS).

Across much of sub-Saharan Africa, cataract surgery is still dominated by MSICS. It is safe, reliable, effective, and well suited to the realities of many healthcare systems. Phacoemulsification, on the other hand, is seen as difficult to introduce. It relies heavily on expensive technology, few training opportunities, complications carry a higher ocular morbidity, and subsequent interventional vitreoretinal surgical support is not always available.

Read the full article on the website of The Ophthalmologist.

Date: 22 April 2026
Source: The Ophthalmologist