Description

14 years have passed since Ingrid Mason (Cox) and Sue Stevens – the original authors, published edition one of this text – with the emphasis being on supporting services primarily in Africa. Little did they know at that time, the text would become a staple training tool for many nurses and technicians around the world, who would come to rely on its teaching as the basis of their daily practice. Fast forward to 2014 where I found myself working with the Pacific Eye Institute- Fiji for the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, where I discovered that the text is no longer being published and that there were no alternative texts available – despite global calls for nursing resources. And so, I began the journey to find out what we could do about it as a global community. Armed with a team of experts from a variety of settings and countries, we worked together to develop an edition that reflects today’s modern collaborative approach to practice. Emphasising responsible practice, unity and equitable input, the aim was to ensure that this text truly reflects team integration, empowerment and progression, and the degree of success needed in health systems of today. We also made the decision to engage an extensive range of professionals to ensure the text could be used in a wide range of settings throughout the world. The text also leads directly into the International Council of Nurses and the WHO Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030, to primarily strengthen human resources for health (HRH) capabilities – which remain a fundamental aspect of the Sustainable Development Goals and those of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. With greater emphasis on systems the text tackles service delivery at the root. This is because systems are intrinsically embedded into; work cultures, daily practice, policy, governance, management structures and support mechanisms – of which nurses and technicians play a vital role, and are necessary for providing consistent and equal levels of service to patients. If developed effectively, systems can support and empower professionals at all levels and ensure services are followed through for the betterment of the patient and those working in the system. Those involved in this edition have worked to integrate these key elements alongside original aspects from edition one, to provide teaching on; daily management, management of self, understanding common eye conditions requiring surgical intervention, how to work within the operating theatre facility, and how to safely care for the patient. While the text is focused on the Operating Theatre – or Operating Room as it is also referred to, elements can be applied to minor procedure and outpatient clinics, mobile health units, wards and community health situations. This is because a majority of what this text discusses is universally applicable – and generally does not cost a great deal. For example hand washing, completing documentation and working safely, can take place regardless of the sector, work environment and level of resource. The text can also be utilised by existing professionals requiring a refresher, and those new to the profession. It also provides an introduction to non-medically-trained development professionals and support staff who may find themselves involved in ophthalmic or operating theatre programs or organisations. This text will provide them with an understanding of how ophthalmic health care facilities function and the important relationship, role and leadership of the ophthalmic nurses and technicians within it – including their compliance requirements and the sector’s expectations of such licensed professionals. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the original authors, the current contributors who adapted and up-dated the original text, all the peer reviewers and supporters, and the team at the Community Eye Health Journal, who volunteered their time and expertise towards edition two. It has been a true global collaborative effort and one that I have personally enjoyed being a part of. I have learnt a great deal from their participation, knowledge and dedication and could not have achieved it without them. Finally, if you or your organisation has found this text useful, then we would love to hear from you. Knowing if it has changed the outcomes of just one patient or taught one new technique or improved the services in one facility or team, means a great deal to those involved. It symbolises the collective involvement and movement of our sector to improve outcomes for our patients no matter where they are in our world – and we need to share our stories and experiences. Happy learning and keep safe Heather Machin, RN, MBA Editor hmachin@hollows.org.nz or Admin@cehjournal.org

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