A group of people standing in a boardroom. © CBM

Strengthening global eye care through institutional partnerships: CBM, Mengo Hospital, and Saarland University

A multi-year partnership between CBM, Mengo Hospital in Uganda, and Saarland University in Germany, aims to enhance ophthalmology services in Uganda through collaboration in training, research, and clinical practice. It highlights the establishment of a cornea transplant facility, the importance of a local eye bank, and the overall impact on eye care in Uganda and surrounding regions. The partnership demonstrates how shared goals can lead to sustainable improvements in healthcare.

In 2017, a collaboration began between CBM Christian Blind Mission, Mengo Hospital Eye Clinic in Kampala, Uganda, and Saarland University’s Eye Clinic in Homburg/Saar, Germany. The partnership aimed to promote international cooperation in research, training, and clinical practice.
What started as a dialogue has since evolved into a multi-year partnership focused on advancing ophthalmology in Uganda through infrastructure, expertise, and cross-continent knowledge exchange—proving that sustainable change is possible when institutions unite around shared goals. This partnership not only establishes a foundation for long-term improvements in the field of ophthalmology in Uganda, it also means better treatment, more trained specialists, and, ultimately, giving people the gift of sight.

Four people meeting in a room © CBM

A catalyst for advancements in cornea transplant

Earlier in the year, Prof. Dr Berthold Seitz, Director of Ophthalmology at Saarland University and a globally renowned expert in corneal transplants visited Mengo Hospital to review ongoing projects and explore new avenues for collaboration in advancing inclusive healthcare. He was accompanied by Dr Babar Qureshi, CBM’s Inclusive Health Director; Jackie Kwesiga, the Country Director of CBM Uganda; and Joy Koech, CBM’s Head of Inclusive Health Programmes. 

During his visit, attention was also focused on establishing a cornea transplant facility and capabilities in Uganda—a critical need given the recent enactment of the country’s organ transplant law. 

 

Mengo’s ambition to pioneer a corneal bank and impact corneal transplants in Uganda and across East and Southern Africa aligns with the expertise of Prof. Seitz, whose clinic in Germany is equipped with the latest technology. Dr. Lisbon Aliraki, a Ugandan ophthalmologist at Mengo, received specialised training in donor corneal explantation – an operation to remove all or part of a damaged cornea and replace it with healthy donor tissue – eye bank management, contact lens practice, and corneal transplantation in Germany under Prof. Seitz’s mentorship. This mentorship included mastering innovative running suture techniques to reduce post-transplant refractive error, donor tissue handling, and participation in corneal explantation at a German morgue. Dr. Aliraki also trained in warm versus cold corneal storage methods and other eye transplant procedures, strengthening his capacity to lead Mengo’s transplant initiative. 

 

However, challenges remain. While the legal framework for organ donation exists, limited public awareness about organ donation and the current five-year waiting period for cadaveric donations hinder progress. Dr. Aliraki emphasised that corneal transplants could legally begin today using imported donor tissue, but costs (averaging 8.5–12 million Ugandan shillings) are prohibitive for most patients. Importation delays of 2–4 weeks also render this option ineffective for emergencies like perforated ulcers.

“The real solution lies in establishing a local eye bank,” he stressed. With ongoing training and advocacy, Mengo aims to launch corneal transplant services within the next two years, contingent on policy reforms to shorten the cadaveric donation wait period to 1–2 years. 

Building on a strong foundation

Three people in a meeting room © CBM

Mengo Hospital, founded in 1897, is Uganda’s oldest hospital and a trusted eye care provider. Over the past 20 years, with CBM’s support, its Eye Department has grown into a leading centre for diagnosis, surgery, and rehabilitation, serving thousands annually. The partnership with Saarland University amplifies this impact through: 

1.      Infrastructure Expansion: A modernised clinic extension, developed with Saarland’s advisory support, now features state-of-the-art operating rooms, consultation spaces, and upgraded hygiene and accessibility standards. 

2.      Bidirectional Knowledge Exchange: German specialists like Prof. Seitz share expertise in subspecialties such as corneal transplants, while Ugandan clinicians train in Germany. The exchange equips Mengo’s team with skills in retinal care and corneal transplantation. At the same time, German physicians gain hands-on experience in Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) for dense cataracts, tropical ophthalmology, and low-resource surgical adaptations.

3.      Research Collaboration: Joint studies on glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, and corneal diseases aim to improve care in resource-limited settings. Prof. Seitz’s emphasis on research has spurred collaborative projects, with findings shared at forums like the German Ophthalmological Society Congress. 

Dr. Aliraki noted: “German doctors also learn to manage high-volume caseloads and participate in eye screening camps—experiences rare in Europe.” 

“The German side is keen on research, which can enhance both institutions’ reputations,” emphasises Fabian Schindler, the Programme Manager for CBM’s Inclusive Health.

Sustainable impact through shared goals

© CBM

The partnership’s steering committee—representing Mengo, Saarland, and CBM—prioritises faculty development, clinical excellence, and advocacy. Current efforts focus on training Uganda’s first cornea transplant specialists, launching a local eye bank, and driving policy dialogue to reduce the cadaveric donation waiting period. Dr Aliraki revealed that Mengo is spearheading discussions with the Ministry of Health, with a key meeting scheduled for March 2025. Public sensitisation campaigns, aided by media partnerships and community leaders, will follow once policies are revised. 

 

“Any increase in capacity at Mengo benefits our work,” said Dr Aliraki. “More people receive higher-quality treatment, and knowledge transfer ensures lasting progress.” 

Your role in the next chapter

As the partnership extends to 2026, priorities include scaling cornea transplant capabilities, integrating advanced diagnostics, and combating preventable blindness through community education. For institutional donors, investing in this model amplifies local expertise and global collaboration—ensuring innovative eye care reaches those who need it most.