Ruth Ngaruiya, Programs Manager for KnowTheGlow recently had the chance to have an insightful conversation with Dr. Niranjan Pehere, a pediatric ophthalmologist from the LV Prasad Eye Institute in India,who has dedicated nearly six years to transforming eye care in Liberia. His journey, fueled by a deep desire to help others and a passion for restoring sight, highlighted the critical need for specialized medical expertise in underserved regions. From a young age, Dr. Pehere knew he wanted to be a doctor. He was drawn to the biological sciences and the direct impact of solving human problems.His choice to specialize in ophthalmology was driven by its unique blend of surgery and medicine, encompassing diverse fields like neurology. However, it was the immediate and profound impact of restoring sight that truly captivated him. He notes, “The most important thing is the joy of giving someone eyesight. And especially with cataract surgery, you see that change so immediately. I don’t think in any other specialty one gets to see that change so dramatically, so quickly.” This immediate gratification of witnessing a patient’s vision restored is a powerful motivator for Dr. Pehere.
In 2018, Dr. Pehere visited Liberia as a visiting faculty member. During this brief trip, he recognized a significant need for specialized eye care and felt a strong pull to make a difference. This realization prompted a life-changing decision: in July 2019, he moved to Liberia full-time. He will soon mark his sixth year in the country, a testament to his commitment and the rewarding, albeit challenging, nature of his work. While ophthalmologists existed in Liberia before his arrival, Dr. Pehere observed that a large portion of eye care was managed by ophthalmic nurses, and there was a pressing need for enhanced productivity and competence in specialized areas. His presence has undoubtedly bolstered the capacity for advanced eye care in the nation.
Life and work in Liberia, while deeply fulfilling for Dr. Pehere who enjoys the country’s lush greenery and proximity to the ocean come with their own unique challenges. He describes the work as “challenging, frustrating” at times, yet remains motivated by the small but steady signs of progress he witnesses. One of the most pressing gaps, he notes, is the limited availability of structured programs specifically for childhood eye care.
While public systems are still developing in this area, he sees great potential for collaboration and believes that raising awareness and building partnerships could help bridge these gaps over time making the efforts of organizations like Know the Glow and dedicated professionals even more crucial. Furthermore, serving rural areas presents unique difficulties, including poor awareness, limited financial ability among patients to travel to the capital, and inadequate transportation infrastructure. There’s also the challenge of overcoming deep-seated beliefs in traditional cures, which often delay or prevent patients from seeking timely Western medical treatment. To address the influence of traditional beliefs, Dr. Pehere and his team have adopted a unique approach: engaging with religious leaders. When a child with retinoblastoma is identified, they connect with the family’s church priest or pastor to explain the condition and the necessity of medical intervention. This strategy is proving effective, as people are often more receptive to advice from their spiritual leaders.
Dr. Pehere is a strong advocate for public education and awareness, particularly regarding conditions like retinoblastoma, which often present late due to a lack of knowledge among parents and health facilities. He expressed keen interest in engaging with initiatives with organizations like Know the Glow on their awareness campaigns. “Awareness is the key here,” he emphasized. “Public education has a big role to play.” He believes in the power of visual media, noting that short video clips can have a significant impact, even more so than infographics, in conveying vital health information. He highlighted how such clips have historically transformed retinoblastoma detection in India. Dr. Pehere’s dedication to improving eye care in Liberia, coupled with his innovative approaches to overcoming local challenges, makes him a beacon of hope for countless individuals. His commitment to bringing specialized knowledge and compassionate care to those in need truly embodies the spirit of global health. At KnowTheGlow, we look forward to finding meaningful ways to support and strengthen the important work Dr. Pehere is leading in Liberia.
