The specialty area of medicine that deals with eye health is known as ophthalmology. It comprises the physiology, anatomy, and conditions that could impact the eyes. The Eye Unit of Teaching Hospital Jaffna serves as a regional hub for part of Eastern, North Central, and Northwestern provinces in addition to providing eye care services to the people in Northern Province. For those who are visually impacted, we offer rehabilitation, preventative, and curative services to improve vision. Furthermore, the department has committed to Eye Sustain, which aims to promote the sustainability of quality eye surgery through education and collaboration. We also strive to keep the sustainable development goals in consideration while delivering our services in order to accomplish the insight 2030 goals.

It has recently been updated to be more elderly friendly, with barrier-free access and an active 5S transformation. The Department of Ophthalmology has nearly reached its full capacity, with two general ophthalmology units and a Vitreo-Retinal unit. The department now employs two general ophthalmologists and one vitreoretinal specialist. It comprises of a comprehensive care unit and a ward complex and features two well-established inpatient wards with 40 beds each, as well as a three-bed eye theatre. Additionally, our department offers a digital eye health education system to promote awareness of the significance of good eye health.

The following clinical services are being provided by the Department of Ophthalmology, Teaching Hospital Jaffna.

Research in eye health is required to address evidence gaps, particularly in low- and middleincome countries. Research is critical to our attempts to enhance eye health. Hence, following research activities are being carried out by the Department of Ophthalmology.

1. A study on the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in older adults in Northern Province
2. Prevalence study to determine the pattern of Ocular morbidity among school children in Northern Province
3. School Eye health Project 
4. Effective Cataract surgery outcome 
5. Cataract and co-morbidities

Department of Ophthalmology is  striving to create a region where no one is blind or visually impaired needlessly and looking beyond the objectives of Insight 2030 by harnessing the power of public-private partnerships, because effective partnerships and collaboration across the national government, non-governmental organisations, local communities, the eye health field, and beyond can lead to sustainability in the eye care sector.

“A Better Vision is Our Responsibility”

Community screening – Mullaithivu.

Naguleswary Vasudevan Spectacles program – Jaffna

Poson celebration – 2024