Burkina Faso trains 40 specialists on strabismus care
The Burkinabe Society of Ophthalmology is conducting a training session in Ouagadougou to improve the management of eye misalignment.
40 specialists, including ophthalmologists and fourth-year medical students, began a training session on strabismus management on October 30, 2026, in Ouagadougou. The training, held at the CHU of Bogodogo and funded by the NGO Light for the World, will continue until November 3, 2026. Strabismus, an eye misalignment, can lead to amblyopia or a "lazy eye" if not treated early, especially in children.
The training aims to enhance participants' knowledge of strabismus diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment options, including the rehabilitation of strabismic amblyopia. Dr. Toé Roland, secretary-general of the Burkinabe Society of Ophthalmology, stated that the session addresses a real need in health facilities and will help practitioners deepen their understanding and correct misconceptions about strabismus treatment. The session is led by Dr. Amadou Alfa Bio Issifou, an associate professor from the University of Parakou, Benin.
Dr. Toé Roland also highlighted the issue of under-reporting strabismus cases, which hinders a full understanding of the problem's scale. Difficulties in early detection by some health professionals further complicate the situation. The training is expected to improve the identification of anomalies, selection of appropriate treatments, and patient follow-up.
Why it mattersChildren in Burkina Faso with strabismus risk reduced vision and developmental issues if the condition is not detected and treated early.