Keratoplasty Goes to El Salvador

One surgeon's role in a crusade to bring corneal tissue for treatment and training.

By: Rene Luthe

Ophthalmology Management October 1, 2025 Page(s): 12, 13, 14, 16

Clinical Report: Keratoplasty Goes to El Salvador

Overview

This report details a surgical outreach initiative by Trillium Vision Foundation to provide corneal transplants in El Salvador. Sixteen patients received full-thickness keratoplasty, highlighting the challenges and solutions in accessing corneal tissue for transplantation.

Background

Access to corneal tissue for transplantation remains a significant issue in many regions, including El Salvador, where the lack of a robust eye banking system limits surgical options for patients with corneal diseases. The outreach by Trillium Vision Foundation aims to address this gap by facilitating training and providing necessary resources for local surgeons. This initiative not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances the skills of local healthcare providers.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

Trillium Vision Foundation was co-founded to address the lack of corneal tissue in El Salvador.
Sixteen patients were identified for full-thickness keratoplasty, with surgeries scheduled on the same day.
Corneas were sourced from multiple eye banks in the United States to meet surgical needs.
Surgeons matched corneal tissue based on donor and patient characteristics to optimize transplant success.
The outreach included training local surgeons to enhance their proficiency in keratoplasty techniques.

Clinical Implications

This outreach initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between organizations to improve access to corneal transplants in underserved regions. Training local surgeons not only addresses immediate patient needs but also fosters long-term sustainability in surgical practices.

Conclusion

The successful execution of this outreach program demonstrates the potential for improving corneal transplant access and surgical training in resource-limited settings. Continued efforts are essential for enhancing ocular health globally.

PentaVision

Ophthalmology Management