Ophthalmic Sciences Department builds skills across borders

The Department of Ophthalmic Sciences has successfully completed its first international collaboration outside Africa, partnering with the College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) in Lahore, Pakistan, with the support of global NGO, Sight Savers International (SSI).

This landmark initiative saw the delivery of a hybrid faculty development programme in Dispensing Opticianry, combining online training with in-person practical sessions in Lahore. The programme was designed to strengthen both theoretical knowledge and hands-on competencies in this rapidly growing field, while also laying the foundation for future exchanges and joint projects.

The online training introduced faculty and students to key topics such as lens types, frame design, progressive lenses, coatings, prisms and prescription analysis. The sessions blended lectures, tutorials and case studies, creating an interactive platform despite the geographic distance. The practical training, hosted in Lahore, gave participants the opportunity to refine practical skills in measurements, frame identification, glazing, fitting and repairs.

In total, 23 participants took part, including faculty members and students from COAVS and the Pakistan Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences (PIRS). Participants highlighted the balance between theory and practice, the structured delivery of content, and the collaborative learning environment as major strengths of the programme. Many of these participants, upon graduation, will become the first cohort of opticians to serve in their public health system, contributing to blindness prevention efforts in Pakistan.

“It was a great honour to contribute to opticianry education in Pakistan. The online sessions were highly engaging, with participants showing remarkable enthusiasm, respect, and dedication. Their energy and eagerness to learn made the experience deeply rewarding, and I am proud to have played a role in shaping the first generation of opticians at COAVS,” said online trainer, Fatima Flander.

“The hands-on training in Lahore was an incredible experience, marked by warmth, hospitality, and genuine eagerness to learn. The faculty and students embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, and any initial language barriers were quickly overcome. Their hunger for knowledge was inspiring, and this training has sparked new possibilities for expanding Dispensing in Opticianry to other institutions in the region,” said practical trainer, Abdulraoef Ganey.

This project was made possible through the close cooperation of the International Committee, The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Directorate, Legal Services, the Deanery, and the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.

Looking ahead, the Department hopes to expand the collaboration to include joint research, exchange visits, and further training opportunities - strengthening South–South cooperation in health sciences education and enhancing the global visibility of CPUT’s expertise.

“This collaboration is more than just a training programme – it is the beginning of a long-term partnership that will open doors for innovation, shared learning, and greater impact across continents,” said Prasidh Ramson, Acting Head of the Ophthalmic Sciences Department.

Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za