Planning for the Prevention of Blindness

In this step Daksha speaks with Professor Allen Foster, co-director of the International Centre for Eye Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, about his personal experiences of the impact of planning for the prevention of blindness. Professor Foster also shares his key take home message for anyone involved in the delivery of eye care at the district level.

Your Plan for the Prevention of Blindness

As you watch, think about planning and management for eye care and the prevention of blindness in your own setting. Planning can be regarded as multi-staged and complicated. What could you do more simply to make a difference for blindness?

About Professor Allen Foster

Professor Allen Foster, originally from Lancashire in the UK, graduated with Honours in Medicine from the University of Birmingham in 1973. He was a general medical officer in Mvumi Hospital in Tanzania from 1975 to 1985.

During his time there Allen helped develop a national eye care plan, and with support from Dr Joseph Taylor and CBM, he established a clinical training program for doctors and ophthalmic assistants training over 200 people from all over Africa.

After 10 years in Tanzania, he returned to the United Kingdom to work for CBM as their International Medical Director, based at the Institute of Ophthalmology in London. His unique experience of an academic research and teaching base in London, combined with overseas exposure to eye care delivery on three continents facilitated the development of training courses in Community Eye Health, both in the UK and in low income countries. Allen was also closely involved in the development of the VISION 2020 strategy and global initiative.

Allen moved to the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in 1999. In 2006, Allen was appointed CBM President and CEO, positions he held until 2013. Today he continues his work as co-director of the International Centre for Eye Health at the School.

Allen maintains an interest in research, working on blinding eye diseases in children, ocular infections, and cataract services. He has numerous publications and several international awards, but is best known as a passionate advocate and teacher of VISION 2020.