The Solomon Islands is one of the least developed Pacific Island states according to the DAC list. This significantly impacts the quality of healthcare systems, leading to insufficient diagnosis and care. With a diabetes prevalence rate of 13.5%, the consequences are of critical importance, particularly due to the lack of knowledge regarding how to manage complications, such as diabetic retinopathy.The objective is to reduce the incidence of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) by expanding diabetes services at the Regional Eye Centre (REC) in Honiara and strengthening the REC as a diabetic eye care and NCD training facility. National outreach programs and an expansion of the capacity for long-term diabetic eye care will enhance service provision in diabetes eye care.
The project takes a holistic approach to address DR. After equipping the REC with high-quality medical equipment, it will serve as an NCD training facility. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Eye Care Coordinators, NCD coordinators, and training coordinators will facilitate training sessions for eye health professionals, non-eye health professionals, provincial healthcare workers, general nurses, public health professionals, and provide additional training for medical students.To integrate primary eye care into primary healthcare at the provincial level, senior eye staff and training coordinators at the National referral hospital will develop training programs for nurses. Apart from being a training facility, the REC will also deliver high-quality diabetes eye care. National outreach programs are already underway to increase service provision in diabetic eye care and reach people in communities. The Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand, in collaboration with eye care staff at MHMS, will work to expand national outreaches to include DR screening and referrals to the REC for eye care.The project aims to improve access for vulnerable groups and raise awareness in communities about DR and the REC. To establish long-term leadership in diabetic eye care, the project will support the National Eye and Diabetes Conference annually, leading to strengthened leadership in the eye health community. An annual diabetic eye care workshop component will ensure a higher quality of diabetic eye care.
55 healthcare professionals received eye care training.80 healthcare professionals attended eye care workshops.13 nurses received clinical training.Improved care for over 3,700 patients with diabetes.361 patients were referred from outreach services.Screening for DR was conducted for more than 6,000 people with diabetes.The Regional Eye Centre (REC) has become a leading facility for diabetic eye care in the Solomon Islands.