About the Program

In December 2005 staff from The Fred Hollows Foundation visited Sri Lanka to conduct a situational analysis which would establish the viability of developing an eye care unit in Kilinochchi, in the north east region of Sri Lanka.

As a result of the analysis a proposal was developed for the Community Enterprise Foundation – North East Sri Lanka Eye Care Unit Project. This two year pilot project will be implemented in Kilinochchi in partnership with the Australian Medical Aid Foundation.

The purpose of the project is to assist the marginalized and under serviced communities, especially those affected by the 2004 tsunami and civil conflict, to gain access to high quality and sustainable eye care services in Kilinochchi and the north east region of Sri Lanka.

As a result of the project, a four to five room eye care unit will be constructed in Kilinochchi which will consist of an operating theatre, consultants' rooms, scrub room, waiting and administration room. Once constructed, the eye care unit will be equipped with all necessary ophthalmic equipment, patient record systems and consumables, enabling the unit to provide quality services.  

The project will also ensure that appropriate personnel receive specialist and generalist training to manage and staff the unit. Staff salaries will also be supported through the project budget to ensure the eye care unit is adequately staffed and operating efficiently.

Due to the current conflict in Sri Lanka, and to ensure the security of all involved, The Foundation has delayed implementing this project. Implementation of the project will commence once it is determined that the eye care unit can be constructed, equipped and staffed safely and sustainably.

The Foundation looks forward to implementing this project in the future and anticipates that once it is established it will contribute to the provision of eye care services in the northern region of Sri Lanka.

Further information about this program will be provided soon.