Initiatives for Access to Healthcare
The Santen Group will strive to improve the welfare of patients in the ophthalmic field as our specialty, to continue contribution to enhancing the patients' Quality of Life (QOL).
Supporting the Development of Healthcare Personnel
Resolving the shortage of ophthalmologists in developing countries
Santen has continually made donations since 2012 to support "Teaching the Teachers," a training program focused on educating the educators of ophthalmologists. This program is presented by the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), the largest ophthalmic foundation in the world, with the aim of eliminating the shortage of ophthalmologists in developing countries.
(Photo provided by ICO Foundation)
Developing ophthalmologists in China
Santen Pharmaceutical (China) has supported the development of Chinese ophthalmic medicine and the education of young ophthalmologists by making donations to organizations such as the ophthalmic subcommittee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the China Medical Women's Association, and the ophthalmic subcommittee of the Chinese Medical Association which address development of young ophthalmologists in western China where ophthalmologists are insufficient. Furthermore, we provide continuing medical education and training for ophthalmologists in various locations around China, in collaboration with the ophthalmic subcommittee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association.
Donations of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
Supporting ophthalmic care activities in developing countries
Santen donates pharmaceuticals and medical devices such as intraocular lenses for groups which conduct ophthalmic care activities in developing countries.
| Fiscal year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Association for Ophthalmic Cooperation in Asia
Association for Ophthalmic Support in Africa Japan Tanzania Eye Medical Support Team Japan-Philippines Volunteer Medical Service Activities Support for Ophthalmic Medicine in Vietnam Support for Ophthalmic Medicine in Dominica |
| 2018 | Association for Ophthalmic Cooperation in Asia
Asia Prevention of Blindness Association Association for Ophthalmic Support in Africa Japan Tanzania Eye Medical Support Team Japan-Philippines Volunteer Medical Service Activities Support for Ophthalmic Medicine in Nepal Support for Ophthalmic Medicine in Cambodia |
| 2017 | Association for Ophthalmic Cooperation in Asia
Association for Ophthalmic Support in Africa Japan Tanzania Eye Medical Support Team Japan-Philippines Volunteer Medical Service Activities Support for Ophthalmic Medicine in Nepal |
Supporting provision of ophthalmic examination equipment
Santen Oy, Finland, has continued supporting a project in which ophthalmic examination equipment no longer needed due to their replacement with new equipment is offered to hospitals in Cuba, where medical equipment is still insufficient.
Providing Opportunities for Medical Consultations
Supporting ophthalmic consultation/ cataract surgery in China
In June 2018, Santen Pharmaceutical (China) supported free consultation sessions and cataract surgery by ophthalmologists presented by the Health and Family Planning Commission of the Jing'an District, Shanghai, for people in Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, to address their limited access to ophthalmic consultations due to poverty or shortage of ophthalmologists. We provided pharmaceuticals and intraocular lenses for free, and 37 employees volunteered to guide patients. About 420 people visited the venue of the ophthalmic consultation sessions on the day, and 35 people received cataract surgery and saw improvement in their vision.
Supporting dispatch teams of doctors
Santen Inc. provides continuous support for Help International, a nonprofit organization that dispatches private teams of doctors, pharmacists and volunteers to Guatemala, a country characterized by social instability and inadequate medical infrastructure.
Developing Researchers
Santen's Nara Research and Development Center operates the Functional Polymer Science Laboratory established in 2005 in collaboration with Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST). Serving as visiting professors, associate professors and collaborative research staff members, Santen's employees familiar with this field of specialty teach students who aim to become researchers. So far, this laboratory has produced 12 master's degree graduates and two PhD degree graduates.
