School Outreach Program
Project HEAVEN's flagship screening program
Since 1997, Project HEAVEN has been providing early diagnosis of ear and eye impairment in school age children, by conducting on site screening services at primary and secondary schools across Fiji. The school outreach program is the main focus of Project HEAVEN and provides services to schools and communities across Fiji, Rotuma Rabi and Kioa. Through our programs we promote and train school leaders and students on primary prevention and conduct secondary prevention activities.
Improving opportunities for quality learning
Our flagship schools program supports the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services Trachoma Action Plan and follows the SAFE strategy for reducing risk factors that lead to vision and hearing complications.
S
Surgery
A
Antibiotics
F
Facial cleanliness
E
Environmental improvements
SAFE combines the three elements of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention but in the reverse order. Project HEAVEN activities focuses on F&E: Facial Cleanliness and Environmental Improvements to reduce risk factors, and through referrals supports treatment through Antibiotics and Assistive devices, and where necessary, Surgery.
Primary Prevention
Primary Prevention aims to prevent the beginning of ear and eye diseases and reduce risk factors that cause hearing loss. Activities include:
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Class orientation to introduce eye and ear health
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Facial cleanliness and hygiene exercises
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One-to-one counselling for adult patients
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Guidance for care givers on sanitary living conditions and impact on healthy eyes and ears
Secondary Prevention
The purpose of our Secondary Prevention screening program for hearing and vision is to detect those individuals with a suspected deviation that requires further examination at the earliest age possible in order to refer for diagnosis and treatment. Activities include:
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Screening for vision and hearing
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Referrals to clinic or hospital as required
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With MD provide prescription as required if urgent
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Follow up examination of children previously identified with eye or ear problems
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Home visits as required
After screening
After screening, all children identified with an eye or ear problem are referred to the nearest health facilities and if more complicated, to ENT department. Parents are notified if their children have been identified with eye and/or ear problems. This informs them about the situation and the required action. Children presenting with hearing loss are referred for audiometric evaluation or distraction test at the Project HEAVEN clinic, or nearest health facility.
What to expect when Project HEAVEN comes to your school
When our field teams visit your school, you can expect a fun and engaging experience for your students! By participating in our School Outreach program, your child will not only get a chance to have their ears/hearing and vision checked, but they'll also learn valuable lessons about the importance of taking care of their ears and eyes.
Here's what they can look forward to:
A friendly and professional team: Our team members are trained to be warm and welcoming, making sure that every child feels comfortable and at ease during the screening process.
A quick and easy screening: The hearing and vision screenings are fast and painless, taking only a few minutes each. Our technicians are experienced in working with children of all ages, so don't worry if your child is nervous or unsure.
A screening result form: After the screening, your child will receive a personalized screening form that tells you the results of their ears and eyes screening results. This will help you identify any potential issues early on, so you can take action to address them. However, this will be stapled along with their health card that is usually under the teachers care.
Referrals for further evaluation: If any issues are detected during the screening, our team will provide referrals for further evaluation and treatment and also a notification letter to be given to parents. Don't worry, this is just a normal part of ensuring that every child receives the best possible care
Where we work
