Grant addresses pediatric cataracts

Rochester, NY-Bausch + Lomb (B+L) and the Lions Clubs International Foundation have given $150,000 to Tianjin Eye Hospital in China to finance a specialized pediatric cataract training initiative that will include training and education, equipment, and screenings.

“Today, there may be as many as 40,000 children in China suffering from pediatric cataract, a condition that is treatable, and in some cases, preventable,” said Joe Barr, OD, MS, FAAO, vice president of global clinical and medical affairs and professional services, vision care, B+L. “We hope that this grant will enable Tianjin Eye Hospital to provide much-needed training and treatment in the region, so that together we can improve patient health, outcomes, and quality of life.”

The grant will be used to train the region’s ophthalmologists on the treatment and follow-up care of pediatric cataract and also to purchase portable retinoscopes and slit lamps for use in training programs and by pediatric cataract surgeons. The monies also will fund continuing education for Tianjin’s pediatric cataract surgeons.

Additionally, the grant will provide for the education of the region’s parents and healthcare workers about pediatric eye diseases, and physicians and residents at the hospital will train staff at Tianjin Maternal and Child Health Care Centers to screen for pediatric cataract.