Welcome from the editor - John Cooper

February 2013

Dear Members

Firstly, I too wanted to congratulate Janet Marsden on winning the Novartis/RCN award. Her work has been fundamental in bringing about change, and I can appreciate this more myself having been volunteer for the ORBIS team in October last year on a trip to Ethiopia (Addis Ababa).

It was a fascinating and humbling experience working with a group of dedicated individuals who are committed to enhancing the care and knowledge of local doctors and nurses.

I was largely allocated to the airplane whereby I scrubbed and contributed to the running of the theatre (there was also a concurrent programme being undertaken in the local hospital). During the course of the week we had a multitude patients, both adults and children, who underwent a diverse range of individual procedures including cataracts, squint and oculoplastic surgery. All carried out within the confines of a DC10, quite remarkable when I think about it.

I would recommend to anyone who possibly had some spare time and the appropriate experience to register their interest. I believe that programmes to Cameroon, Mongolia and Bangladesh were amongst some of the places being considered by the ORBIS team (this may have altered – I suggest you check the ORBIS website).

I also wanted to reiterate Mary’s commitment supporting the RCN Ophthalmic forums membership when we attend this years Congress in April. If you haven’t an opportunity to go I do suggest you try and get to Liverpool. It is insightful and exciting experience, plus it is an opportunity to meet and network with other nurses across the profession.  Hopefully look forward to seeing you there.

Best wishes

John Cooper  MRes(Clin) BSc (Hons) RGN
RCN Ophthalmic Forum editor 
Oculoplastic Specialist Nurse, Central Manchester Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester