Strengthening Eye Health for Children and Adults Through Strategic Collaboration: Harvard University and Regional Partners in Uganda
The collaboration between the Harvard University Medical Eye Team, Ruharo Mission Hospital (RMH), and Mbarara University Regional Eye Centre (MURHEC)—Department of Ophthalmology, which began in 2015, highlights a dynamic partnership dedicated to advancing specialized eye care for children and adults, fostering knowledge sharing, and supporting professional development.
This partnership unites a team of experts in oculoplastics, vitreoretinal, and corneal specialties to tackle complex eye conditions. RMH and MURHEC identify diverse cases, including children needing highly specialized care, and coordinate treatment with the Harvard team during their annual visits each January. These visits are a cornerstone of the collaboration, allowing for joint case management, hands-on learning, and invaluable training for the local teams.
In addition to their expertise, the Harvard specialists have contributed basic surgical instruments, equipment, consumables, and medications, significantly enhancing the capacity to perform specialized procedures. Even with these advancements, capacity gaps in equipment and skills remain in the local tertiary facilities, particularly for unique cases like corneal transplants. Although Uganda has made progress with the passage of the Organ Transplant Policy two years ago, comprehensive legal and structural frameworks for organ harvest and transplantation are still under development. Harvard’s support in corneal procedures represents a critical step in bridging these gaps while building local expertise.
This collaboration has profoundly impacted the region, benefiting countless patients, including children, since its inception. During the current visit, it is anticipated that over 250 patients, including children, will receive specialized care, with more than 80 patients undergoing advanced surgical procedures. A robust follow-up mechanism ensures that surgical cases are reviewed promptly and routinely by the local teams at REC and MURHEC, ensuring continuity of care and positive outcomes.
Specialized services offered through this partnership include:
Oculoplastic procedures: Ptosis correction, socket reconstruction, lid repairs, orbital tumor surgeries, tear drainage channel reconstruction, facial deformity corrections, and provision of customized artificial eyes.
Vitreoretinal care: Management of diabetic retinopathy, evaluation and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in children, and diagnosis of other retinal diseases.
Corneal procedures: Corneal grafting and transplant surgeries.
This collaboration stands as a testament to the transformative potential of partnerships in global health. It has not only improved access to specialized eye care for both children and adults but also advanced the training and capacity of local specialists. RMH, MURHEC, and Harvard University remain committed to strengthening this partnership, ensuring sustained progress in eye health service delivery for the region. KnowTheGlow is proud to highlight this impactful work, showcasing how such collaborations exemplify the power of teamwork, innovation, and shared commitment to improving outcomes for those in need. By amplifying these efforts, KnowTheGlow aims to inspire and support similar initiatives worldwide.
