Optometry Jobs on board The Africa Mercy
Most of the world’s blind, some 90%, live in poor nations where even minimal eye care is inaccessible. Mercy Ships ophthalmic surgeons perform free, critical eye operations affording patients renewed sight and improved quality of life.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the most common cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. However, most incidents of cataract blindness are curable and sight can be restored with a low-cost, 20-minute eye operation. Mercy Ships cataract operations are performed using the latest methods and technology. Eye care is provided at no cost to the patient.
Corneal Growths & Crossed Eyes
Mercy Ships eye surgeons perform procedures to correct pterygium (growths on the cornea of the eye), strabismus (the medical term for crossed eyes) and eyelid deformities, and also remove painful or ugly blind eyes, replacing them with prostheses.
Ophthalmic Surgeons
Licensed practicing Ophthalmic Surgeon with at least 2 years experience to perform eye surgeries on board. Expect moderate volume (approx 10 -15 cataracts 4 days per week). Cases range from extremely difficult to moderately difficult. Approximately 30% are phaco candidates. No stitch extracapsular procedure is best for non-phaco cases but standard ECCE is okay. It is ideal for volunteers to be familiar with ECCE and phaco and to have done enough surgery the prior year to be comfortable. All cases done with peribulbar blocks, no topical, and no clear corneal incisions.
Ophthalmic Field Team
Optometrist, Ophthalmic tech or medical ophthalmologist based on the ship but assisting in seeing and screening patients at our off-site eye clinic.
Medical Reviewers
Nurse to take medical histories and conduct medical screening for our potential eye surgery candidates. Based on the ship but seeing patients at our off-site eye clinic.
Eye Nurses
Pre-op and Post-op Nurse, prefer those with experience in eye care/surgeries.