WEST AFRICAN REGIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTRE FOR LOW VISION REHABIILITATION (WARTCLOR)

There is currently no training institution or research Centre for low vision professionals in the entire West African region. There is marked scarcity of low vision services providers and the lack of opportunities to train professionals in the field currently exacerbates the challenges of access to low vision services for individuals living with blindness and low vision. There is also dearth of cutting-edge research in the area of low vision as well as a remarkably inadequate access to low vision devices and assistive technologies enabling individuals with low vision to live meaningful lives independently. The poor access to low vision rehabilitation services, devices, technologies for independent living has contributed to decreased independence and control as they practically depend on sighted family members and friends to perform simple tasks of daily living. The proposed Centre intends to build capacity and develop a critical mass of low vision experts that will respond to the growing needs for low vision Services, cutting-edge research in the field of low vision, as well as improve access to low vision services and local availability of assistive technologies through strong partnerships in continuing (postgraduate) education and research. The approach is built on a multi-disciplinary platform involving experts in the fields of Ophthalmology, Optometry, allied Medical sciences, Public health, Sociology, and Engineering. To bridge the professional capacity gap, the centre proposes to run the following programmes in collaboration with the Western Michigan University, USA