SENEGAL reached a significant medical milestone on Thursday, successfully performing its first-ever eye transplant. This landmark surgery is seen as a major breakthrough for the country’s healthcare sector, with hopes it will pave the way for improved eye health services across the nation.
The transplant was conducted by Senegalese ophthalmologist Cheikh Khadim Ndoyem and Dr. Awa Diama Thiam, with guidance from international specialists, including Swiss ophthalmic surgeon Andre Mermoud and Dr. Felix Hammer. The operation was carried out at the Swiss Visio clinic in Saly Portudal, located in the coastal region of Thies.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye praised the achievement, calling it a ‘big step for eye health in our country’ and highlighting the successful collaboration between local expertise and international training.
Addressing emerging eye health challenges
This breakthrough comes at a critical time for Africa’s eye health. Although conditions such as vitamin A deficiency, onchocerciasis, and trachoma have seen a decline in the African region, new challenges are arising. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in six blind individuals globally resides in Africa, with 26 million people across the continent experiencing some level of visual impairment.
Cataracts remain one of the biggest challenges, with only 14 percent of people requiring cataract surgery receiving the necessary treatment. Furthermore, more than 80 percent of people suffering from myopia (shortsightedness) do not receive proper care, contributing to a significant economic burden. WHO estimates the global annual cost of untreated refractive errors and cataracts at $14.3bn.
The eye transplant in Senegal marks a key moment in addressing these statistics, offering hope for the future of eye care in West Africa. The successful surgery signifies that with continued advancements, the region can begin to tackle its growing eye health concerns.
