Computer Management Information System Installed in Mexico

IEF has been working with the Instituto de la Vision in Mexico to install a new Computer Management Information System (CMIS) in their eye clinics. The system, developed in Spanish by Visualiza in Guatemala with IEF support, is designed to improve the efficiency of all aspects of managing the eye clinic. Recently, the initial installation and training was completed at the clinic in Tabasco, Mexico. IEF's Sustainability Consultant Raheem Rahmathullah says that "..the installation is going smoothly and the clinic will be better able to manage and analyze its patient services in the future." Clinic staff are shown reviewing patient records manually.

A Lifetime of Service – Dr. Lakshmi Rahmathullah

For the Rahmathullah family from India, service to others is a way of life. IEF’s Sustainability Specialist Raheem Rahmathullah learned well the lessons of working for a better life for those less fortunate. Soon to turn 80, his mother Dr. Lakshmi Rahmathullah has striven for over a half century to benefit the poor, particularly women and children. Early in her life, she was influenced by Mother Teresa under whom she studied for a year. A general physician still practicing in Kariapatti, India, she is recognized internationally as an authority on micronutrients, particularly vitamin A. Her work has earned her many honors, yet she remains committed to serving the people. Her son Raheem furthers her legacy through his work with IEF to expand eye care in the developing world by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of eye clinics and hospitals. The IEF is proud of its association with Dr. Rahmathullah and extend the warmest of birthday greetings.

CMIS Operational at Divino Nino Jesus in Peru

New IEF Sight Reach® Management partner - the Divino Nino Jesus Clinic in Lima, Peru is a very productive faith based social eye clinic with big plans for the future. The adminstrator of the clinic is Ing. Alberto D. Lazo Legua and with his wholehearted support, this generous and energetic group plans to expand their services and use the Divino Nino Jesus/SightReach approach to sustainability as a model for other clinics in Latin America.

The clinic now has a new hospital management software system up and running. IEF assisted in the installation and implementation of the new Computer Management Information System (CMIS) which was developed in Spanish by Visualiza in Guatemala with IEF support. Pictured are Ing. Juan Emanuel Echeverria and Arq. Juan Francisco Yee of Visualiza working on the installation of the new system.

In the bottom photo, IEF's sustainability specialist Raheem Rahmathullah, Divino Nino Jesus's administrator Alberto Lazo Legua and Visualiza's systems engineer Juan Echeverria are seen enjoying a well earned cup of coffee after the successful testing of the installation.

Dr. Nam visits Washington DC

Dr. Namperumalsamy (Dr. Nam), Chairman of the Aravind Eye Care System, India was in Washington DC attending the Global Health Council meeting last week May 28, 2009. Dr. Nam accepted the Gates Award for Global Health in 2008 on behalf of Aravind. Raheem Rahmathullah, Sustainability Specialist (left) and John Barrows, Director of Programs (center) from IEF met with Dr. Nam (right) over lunch to "catch up" and discuss program ideas to address to growing worldwide problem of diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Susan Lewallen visits IEF

Dr. Susan Lewallen came to Washington, DC to make presenations at USAID and the National Eye Institute and visited IEF on May 22nd. Susan and her husband, Dr. Paul Courtright are the co-founders and co-directors of the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology in Moshi, Tanzania. A group of IEF Board members and friends had the opportunity to visit KCCO in February and learn about the research and training being provided for eye care professionals from all over Africa. Susan's presentations focused on health care management and the challenges of eye research in Africa.

Photo L-R: Susan Lewallen with IEF's Raheem Rahmathullah, John Barrows

Victoria M. Sheffield
President & CEO