Henrietta Ifechukwude Monye

H3Africa PI: Adeyinka Ashaye


Institution: Eleta Eye Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria

Project Affiliation: Eyes of Africa: The Genetics of Blindness

Abstract

Introduction/Background
A recently qualified Nigerian Ophthalmologist, my interest in genetics was piqued and nurtured by my mentors and participating in subject recruitment for the Eyes of Africa-The Genetics of Blindness project at my training institution, University College Hospital,(UCH), Ibadan. This culminated in my postgraduate thesis presented here. There is paucity of this data in this setting.

Objective/Motivation
To determine the burden, manifestations, and parental willingness for genetic testing for paediatric genetic eye diseases at UCH,Ibadan, to provide further evidence for planning of ophthalmic genetics services in Nigeria.

Methodology/Skill sets
This hospital-based, cross-sectional study involved consecutive recruitment of new and follow-up paediatric eye clinic patients. Pedigree charting and comprehensive ocular and systemic examinations were performed for those with genetic eye diseases, and a questionnaire on willingness to test administered to parents. Summary statistics were calculated, and bivariate and multivariate analyses performed to evaluate determinants of parental willingness to test (p80%) willing to test given different scenarios. All would also test if free, while 37 (88%) would pay out of pocket. There was no statistically significant determinant of willingness to test. This study demonstrated a significant burden, a wide range of paediatric genetic eye diseases and a high rate of parental willingness for testing – useful evidence for planning ophthalmic genetics services. This work has been successfully defended with the award of Fellowship of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS).

Acknowledgements/Mentors/Influencers
Mentors/teachers: Professor A.Ashaye(P.I.), Professor A.Baiyeroju, Professor C.Bekibele, Professor T.Oluleye, Dr. O.Olawoye, Professor B. Olusanya, Dr. M.Ugalahi, Dr. T.Sarimiye.
Department of Ophthalmology, UCH, Ibadan
Eyes of Africa Team
H3Africa Consortium

Next steps
Ophthalmic genetics fellowship to acquire specialised clinical/research skills to evaluate, manage and improve outcomes for patients with genetic eye diseases in Africa, and contribute to capacity building
Collaborations/networks

Other Fellows