Glimpses 2009-2010.pdf - LV Prasad Eye Institute

to help others make the
most of low vision
a one-year fellowship in low vision and rehabilitation
‘‘Learning
at the Dr PRK Prasad Centre for Rehabilitation of
When I saw the curriculum of (LVPEI’s) Low Vision
and Rehabilitation program, I thought this is it!
I knew I was lacking somewhere as a counselor.
This program fills that gap,” says Silaba Zimba
Mundambo from Lusaka, Zambia. Silaba completed
Blind & Visually Impaired, LVPEI, Hyderabad. She
worked as a general nurse in the Eye Department
of the University Teaching Hospital, one of Lusaka’s
biggest hospitals. But after completing her Diploma
Kolluri Swapna with Silaba
in Guidance, Counseling and Placement and doing a course in project management, she found her
interest moving toward vision rehabilitation.
There is a dire need for trained staff in Zambia, as in many countries in Africa, “especially in low vision
rehabilitation,” she says. She feels counseling is the only way to restore the confidence of desperate
patients who feel they have reached a dead-end. The LVPEI program was very different from her
experience in Zambia, which revolved more around classroom discussions. “It is not easy being alone
(the only student in the course) here! You got to think critically, observe and ask questions and, in the
process, you learn more,” explained Silaba.
Silaba understands the need to begin the rehabilitation process at a very young age. “Rehabilitation is
new to Zambia. I want to concentrate on children and work towards an accurate assessment of the
condition of low vision infants,” declares the determined young woman.
Silaba was LVPEI’s first international trainee for the one-year fellowship in vision rehabilitation.
Her training was sponsored by Sightsavers, UK.
Beyond the clinic and counseling desk
The rehabilitation team believes that building skills among children with vision impairment goes
beyond mere clinical engagement. The ‘Fun Camp 2009’ for children with visual impairment was
held on November 26, 2009, at a large theme park in Hyderabad, bringing together 275 participants,
including children with vision impairment, their sighted siblings and family members. The camping
experience provided the children with an opportunity to enhance their independence, peer group
interaction and self-esteem levels. This event also created a platform for the parents of these special
children to interact with one another and share their experiences (picture below).
The ‘Integrated Summer Program’ for visually
challenged children along with their sighted
siblings was organized between May 18-30,
2009. There were 35 children (25 differently
abled and 10 sighted siblings) who took part
in the program, which included yoga, group
games, music, dance, elocution, and talent
show, parent-children compatibility testing
time, story telling and field trips. Both camps
were held with considerable support from
our volunteers.
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