August 8, 2024
Episode 40: Eyecare for Uganda
A discussion on
“Dr. Gladys Atto’s Impact in Karamoja”
Video
Dr. Gladys Atto, MB ChB, MMed Ophth, MSc
Overview
Dr. Gladys Atto, the first and only female eye doctor in the subregion of Karamoja in Eastern Uganda, shares her journey of becoming a doctor and the challenges she faced growing up during a period of war. She discusses the financial burden of pursuing medicine in a private university and the importance of scholarships for aspiring doctors. Dr. Atto also highlights the need for more ophthalmologists in Uganda and the lack of awareness about eye care in the country. She shares her vision of creating a center of excellence for eye care in Karamoja and the importance of training and mentorship for young ophthalmologists.
Keywords:
eye care, Uganda, ophthalmology, education, scholarships, remote regions, healthcare, challenges, vision, training, mentorship
Topics:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Gladys Atto and her work in Karamoja
00:59 Growing up during the LRA insurgency and pursuing a medical career
08:18 Choosing ophthalmology and the need for more eye doctors in Uganda
13:45 Working in a remote region like Karamoja
23:41 Gender bias and working as a female ophthalmologist
26:00 A typical week in Dr. Atto's clinic and her strategic plan for eye care
33:44 Training options for ophthalmologists in Uganda
39:45 A patient case that had a profound impact on Dr. Atto
Episode-based Resources: