The National Eye Program and the Eye Department at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) hosted a joint celebration of World Patient Safety Day and World Sight Day at the Regional Eye Centre on Thursday, 9 October 2025. Although World Patient Safety Day is officially observed on 17 September and World Sight Day falls on 9 October, the Eye Department chose to commemorate both events together to emphasize the shared importance of safety and vision in healthcare.
This year’s global themes are: World Patient Safety Day: “Safe care for every newborn and every child”. Slogan: “Patient safety from the start!” and World Sight Day: “Love Your Eyes”.
The event was organized by the Eye Department in collaboration with the NRH Clinical Governance (CG) Team, with valued support from the Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand (FHFNZ).
Dr. Carole Poloso, Head of Eye Department, NRH welcome everyone at the event and emphasized the event underscores our ongoing commitment to safe, high-quality care and community partnership. “With the support of FHFNZ and the NRH Clinical Governance Team, we are strengthening clinical governance and patient safety across our services, while promoting eye health for all—especially our children.”
Sister Hellen Orihao, Director of Nursing (DoN) NRH, sharing the keynote address, stressed the theme for the World Patient Safety Day reminds us that safety begins the moment life begins. Similarly, the World Sight Day theme “Love Your Eyes”, encourages each of us to take responsibility for our own vision and to support others in protecting theirs. Vision is more than sight, it is the light that allows children to learn, families to thrive, and communities to progress.
“In the Solomon Islands, the importance of both themes cannot be overstated. We continue to face challenges in providing equitable access to health care, especially for children and those in remote areas. Yet, through the dedication of teams like our Eye Department and the ongoing support from partners such as FHFNZ, we have made significant strides in improving service quality, outreach, and clinical governance.
“Today’s celebration, and the eye screening for the children of Lord Howe Settlement, reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing essential services closer to our communities. It is a practical demonstration of the Ministry’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage through Integrated People-Centred Eye Care”, said Sister Orihao.
She reminded everyone that patient safety and vision care are not only the responsibilities of health workers, they are shared responsibilities.
“As we celebrate, let us remember that patient safety and vision care are not only the responsibilities of health workers, they are shared responsibilities. Parents, teachers, community leaders, and every citizen have a role to play in promoting safe practices and regular eye check-ups. When we protect a child’s sight, we give them a better chance to succeed in school, in life, and in building a brighter future for our country”, said Sister Orihao.
Mr. Kaitu A. Aisake, Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand representative outlined across the globe today, it is estimated that about 450 million children live with some form of vision impairment. “That number is set to rise to 500 million in the next 25 years, if we do not aggressively address the issue now.”
He further outlined, when the Regional Eye Center facility at NRH was first dedicated in July 2015, Fred Hollows shared vision with the Government of the Solomon Islands and the Ministry of Heath, was that this would be a place of second chances, an opportunity to be of greater service to every Solomon Islander.
“In this regard, we are so proud to be able to provide affordable quality eye health care in this world class medical facility we call home, but you call the Regional Eye Centre. The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ stands proud of its long association and partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health & Medical Services. Jointly, we have expanded numerous resources on education, training and on-going professional support to clinical staff who provide these critical eye health care services to the good citizens of the Solomon Islands”, said Mr. Aisake.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Clinical Governance Advisor Mr. Frank Kade, A/Prof Arish Naresh, commended the initiative.
“We commend the Eye Department at NRH, under the leadership of Dr. Carole Poloso, Head of the Eye Department, for bringing together this important event to mark World Patient Safety Day and World Sight Day. The department’s commitment to patient safety is appreciated, and the clinical governance work program will continue to showcase quality initiatives in the years to come.”
End////
[MHMS]
