Once hailed as an exemplar of excellence in ophthalmic care, the prestigious 150-bed Spencer Eye Hospital, managed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), now finds itself grappling with formidable challenges.
The facility has been forced to suspend surgeries due to an acute shortage of ophthalmic surgeons and operation theatre staff.
Financial constraints have further compounded the situation, compelling the management to arrange essential medicines and lenses for patients using funds sourced from donations and zakat.
As the hospital grapples with budgetary restrictions, the pressing need for computerised system for visual impairment testing becomes increasingly apparent.
The hospital’s current financial limitations have also given rise to heightened vulnerabilities, including thefts by drug addicts, as the once ideal health facility lacks functional CCTV cameras to ensure security.
In its glorious past, the Spencer Eye Hospital was renowned as one of Karachi’s finest healthcare institutions under the KMC.
Its dedicated doctors organised international-level investigations and eye camps that left an indelible impact.
Patients sought out its top-notch medical facilities for eye diseases, making it one of the most advanced healthcare facilities in the country.
Under the auspices of the Lions Club International, the hospital received monthly donations of four corneas from Sri Lanka for transplantation, exemplifying its commitment to providing the best possible eyecare.
Dr Qazi Wasiq, a former medical superintendent, reminisces about the hospital’s glorious history.
He recalls how the hospital’s technicians received specialised training through workshops conducted by the esteemed American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1987. During Dr MH Rizvi’s tenure as head, the hospital witnessed remarkable progress, culminating in the establishment of the Pakistan Eye Bank Society at Spencer Hospital.
The hospital also owed its success to the unwavering dedication of esteemed individuals like the late Iftikhar Hussain and Fazi Sajid, founding members of the Pakistan Eye Bank Society, who toiled tirelessly to ensure its success.
Their efforts paved the way for the hospital to become a respected institution.
The Spencer Eye Hospital witnessed a remarkable journey of modern surgery, from the introduction of groundbreaking intracapsular and extracapsular surgeries (with and without sutures, respectively) to the revolutionary phaco operation.
Visionary ophthalmologists like Dr Jamshed Wania, a visiting consultant, made significant contributions to the hospital’s legacy through their insightful lectures and examinations.
The hospital was a pioneering centre for laser treatments, conducting path-breaking procedures such as Xenon and argon laser treatments, introducing this innovative technique for the first time in the country.
In the past, the hospital boasted an efficient workforce, with dedicated doctors and staff tirelessly carrying out their duties.
Their unwavering commitment saved numerous patients from eye injuries caused by glass fragments or fishing hooks, providing them with free treatment, medicines, and compassionate care. However, as present challenges continue to mount, the hospital now struggles to deliver crucial medical procedures like corneal transplants.
The declining state of the hospital’s facilities has sparked concern among the community, who once actively supported the hospital through their generous donations.
The hospital administration revealed that a budget of Rs26.62 million was approved in 2022-23 for the purchase of essential medical equipment and to pay doctors’ salaries.
However, due to the administrative issues within the KMC, the allocated amount was not disbursed to the hospital, causing severe financial difficulties.
A source within the administration disclosed that the hospital is facing critical staff shortages.
Presently, there is only one surgeon, but at least two MCPS/FCPS surgeons are required to meet the demand.
Similarly, there is only one refractionist, and the need for an additional one is evident, especially one equipped for computerised testing.
The hospital urgently requires at least four OT technicians, but currently, there is only one, leading to sluggish operation processes. Since 2013, seven experienced ophthalmologists have retired, as a result, cornea operations are now suspended due to a lack of funds and medical resources.
Hopes are now pinned on Mayor Murtaza Wahab to pay attention to the health centres under the KMC, including the Spencer Eye Hospital.
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