The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ (The Foundation) works to reduce avoidable blindness and untreated vision impairment in the Pacific through the continual training of eye care workers to strengthen Pacific-led eye care services. One of its initiatives is the Pacific Eye Institute (PEI) Training Programme in Suva, Fiji. Students come from various Pacific countries and must be nurses with bachelor’s degrees or nursing diplomas, or qualified medical doctors. They are nominated to come to the PEI Training Programme by their Ministries of Health for either the 1-year or 4-year course.
The Report: Link
What we did
The Foundation commissioned Future Partners to undertake an evaluation of the PEI Training Programme for the 2016-2021 period. The evaluation examined how the Training Programme has progressed against the relevant outcomes identified in The Foundation’s 2016 - 2020 Programme Strategy.
How we did it
The Evaluation was undertaken during October and December 2022 using an adapted utilisation-focused evaluation approach to enhance the usability of the findings by decision-makers, to inform the future development of the programme, and to improve performance.
Empirical information and data were collected and analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods in a mixed-method approach to assess effectiveness of the Training Programme during the 2016-2021 period. This included using monitoring data gathered by The Foundation, relevant documentation, and key informant interviews conducted in person (in Fiji) and by video conference. The Evaluation team interviewed 22 key informants from The Foundation, PEI (including staff, graduates, and students), Fiji National University, and Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Benefit for partners (or the client)
The evaluation findings will help The Foundation and its stakeholders better understand the influence of the Training Programme in enabling access to eye care training for doctors and nurses in the Pacific; localising the eye care training for doctors and nurses; and establishing a skilled and sustainable local eye care workforce in the Pacific.
What the client had to say/feedback
This was an important evaluation for The Foundation as we wanted an objective assessment of the impact of the PEI training programme, to understand it’s achievements, where to adjust and improve, and provide direction for future programmes. We appreciated Future Partner’s expertise and ability to quickly understand our complex activities. Ultimately, they designed and delivered a rich evaluation that has proved valuable in demonstrating that the PEI training programme has successfully helped establish a locally-led eye care workforce in the Pacific. In addition, the findings will act as a key resource as we strengthen our activities across the region. Quenelda Clegg, senior Programme Manager at The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.
The Evaluation of the Pacific Eye Institute Training Programme 2016-2021 for The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ