Ophthalmologist_ Professional Cataract Surgeon Consultant

CALL FOR PROPOSAL- INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT

Ophthalmologist_ Professional Cataract Surgeon Consultant

1. Introduction

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), established in 1984, is an international humanitarian and development organization dedicated to alleviating poverty, inequality and responding to disasters and crises globally. Since 2006, IRW Somalia Office has implemented various humanitarian and development programs to address the complex challenges faced by communities in Somalia, including drought, displacement, food insecurity, and inadequate access to essential services. Through a community-centered approach, IRW Somalia has focused on building resilience, fostering sustainable development, and empowering vulnerable populations. The Cataract project aims to address critical healthcare needs, particularly in the provision of cataract surgery, in underserved populations, including impoverished rural communities and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The project seeks to enhance access to essential eye care, improve quality of life and reduce preventable blindness.

About the project

Islamic Relief received funding from IRUK towards its health program in Somalia. The project aimed at restoring sight and improving people’s lives and livelihood is aimed at providing operations through cataract surgery. The project implemented in Islamic Relief Health center in Dynile, Mogadishu is aimed at reaching more than 1,000 patients who need specialized eye treatment through cataract removal and restoration of sight. IR Somalia plan to carry these services by engaging a specialized ophthalmologist supported by Islamic Relief Health team.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

To seek a specialist ophthalmologist who will carry out the operations and help patients restore their sight

3. Place of the Assignment

The assignment will be at the IRSomalia health center in Daynile, Mogadishu. The assignment will be carried out under the supervision and coordination of the senior coordinator and the Facility supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the IR Somalia Health Facility Manager and the Senior Programmes Coordinator, the Ophthalmologist will be responsible for delivering high-quality clinical services, with a specific focus on ophthalmic care. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide high-quality ophthalmic care to Islamic Relief right holders.
• Manage the eye clinic, ensuring the delivery of services is in line with international standards for ophthalmology and infection prevention and control.
• Conduct complete eye examinations, prescribe medications or corrective lenses as needed.
• Perform eye screenings and diagnostic assessments.
• Conduct and interpret specialized diagnostic tests, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and recommend appropriate treatment plans.
• Perform minor eye procedures and surgeries within the facility’s minor theatre to reduce outsourcing and enhance facility-based care.
• Carry out regular patient rounds, offering specialist-level management for those with eye conditions.
• Coordinate referrals and transfers of complex cases to appropriate facilities, ensuring follow-up and feedback to the Senior Coordinator.
• Educate patients on their eye conditions and support public health campaigns on the prevention of common eye diseases.
• Participate in the development and delivery of health promotion and disease prevention activities.
• Submit a daily report to the Health Facility Manager and Senior Coordinator at the end of each shift.
• Stay updated on new developments and innovations in ophthalmology and share relevant updates with IR Somalia management.
• Ensure proper maintenance of all ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical equipment.
• Participate in the unit’s budgeting process and contribute to forecasting medical supply needs in a timely manner.

Train the IR Somalia Health team on various aspects of ophthalmology

To conduct cataract surgery campaigns to benefit the people who cannot afford the cost of cataract surgery.

4. Other tasks in relation to the surgery include.

Outreach and Awareness:

• Participate and assist with outreaches to inform the target population about the campaign.
• Work with local health departments such as the district to identify patients for surgery.

Pre-Surgery Screening:

• Assess eye health and vision status of patients through comprehensive eye examinations and diagnostic tests.
• Conduct eye screenings to identify patients in need of cataract surgery.
• Prepare medical reports for each patient.
• Provide education to patients regarding the surgery process and aftercare.
• Explain surgical procedures, risks, benefits, and alternatives to patients and their families.
• Prescribe Spectacles for both Reading and Vision for those who need them.

Surgical Expertise:

• The consultancy shall provide all necessary medical staff, including ophthalmologists, nurses, and support personnel.
• Perform cataract surgery using advanced techniques such as Phacoemulsification or Laser-Assisted.

Cataract Surgery.

• Conduct cataract surgical procedures in IRS health Centres.
• Ensure the highest standards of surgical safety and sterility during procedures.
• Makes high-level judgments due to the complexities of ophthalmic conditions.
• Provide post-operative care, including monitoring patient recovery and offering guidance on post-operative management.

Post-surgery patient Care:

• Provide post-surgery follow-up for each patient.
• Monitor the success of the surgery and address any complications that arise.
• Manage complications and provide solutions in case of surgical or post-operative issues.
• Proper identification and timely attendance to emergency cases to avoid visual loss
• Maintain ongoing communication with patients to ensure continuous care and patient satisfaction.

Collaboration with Medical Team:

• Work with the IRS team of nurses and healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.
• Work with the multidisciplinary IR health team on this cataract surgery and best practices.

Education and Training:

• Mentor and train the IR junior medical team as required.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in cataract surgery, incorporating advancements into practice.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain accurate and detailed medical records of all patients, including consultations, diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up care.
• Proper inventory management of ophthalmology supplies and equipment at the HC.
• Participate in IR meetings, case discussions and continuous improvement in the cataract surgery process.

Reporting and Evaluation:

• Generate weekly reports on cataract activities to be shared with the PM weekly.
• Provide regular monthly progress reports to IRS.
• Offer a final report that includes the number of surgeries performed, patient outcomes and feedback.

5. Expected Deliverables

The consultant is expected to provide the following:

• Carried out surgery for at least 800 cataract surgeries with Phacoemulsification using Daynile HC operating room.
• Monthly progress report
• Final report

6. Duration of the Assignment

The duration of the assignment is 3 to 4 months. However, it can be extended based on performance and the scope of the work.

7. Consultant Qualifications, Skills and Experience

The Consultant/s will possess the following minimum skills;

• Qualified eye surgeon with a specialization in ophthalmology and cataract surgery.
• The consultant should provide evidence of previous cataract campaigns (copy of contracts).
• Must have led at least three similar/assignments in the past 3 years.
• Must have skilled and well-trained staff.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team

8. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The below ethical considerations will be adhered to during the cataract surgery:

• IRS recognizes the personal dignity and rights of vulnerable people, towards whom it has a special responsibility and duty of care and respect. The consultant is expected to adhere to IRS Safeguarding policy and sign as an appendix to their contract of engagement and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.
• Anonymity and informed consent. Ensure patients receive clear, understandable information about the procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives and potential outcomes. Verify that patients give voluntary, informed consent before any surgery. Respect patients’ right to refuse or delay surgery without coercion.
• Do No harm: Prioritize the best interest of the patient to maximize benefits and minimize risks. Avoid unnecessary procedures or interventions and promptly address and manage complications should they arise.
• Confidentiality and Privacy: Protect patient health information according to legal and professional standards and limit sharing of patient data strictly to those involved in care or for legitimate, consented purposes.
• Professional Integrity: Maintain honesty in all communications with patients, families, and staff.
• Quality Assurance and Accountability: Adhere to established clinical protocols and international standards for cataract surgery.
• Post-Operative Care and Follow-up: Ensure appropriate post-operative follow-up is available and accessible to all patients. Manage complications promptly and ethically, even if they occur after the consultancy period ends.

9. Reporting

The consultant will report to the senior Coordinator and Facility Manager and will work closely with Mogadishu team – Project officer, health supervisor and other health staff. The Project Officer and health supervisor will support in coordination with the health authority and the beneficiary selection process.

10. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Financial proposal (20%).
• Qualifications for eye surgeons with specialization – (30%).
• Experience and conducting Similar campaign /experience (40%). Attach at least two samples of similar work done, preferably for an international non-governmental organization
• Valid registration with the Ministry of Health Somalia and Banadir Region (5%) & it should be a cataract consultant with office/operational establishments within Banadir region with business registration.
• Recommendation letter from previous works (5%)