Managing Prematurity of Retinopathy in Today’s Mexico
The-No-ROP-Mex-Team
Background
In January 2021, the governments of Mexico and the United States announced a new program to join forces and focus on Vision Health as a top priority. For both nations, despite their long-standing history of scientific collaborations, no forum had been established to discuss current challenges in vision health and to set a bilateral scientific process. It was through this public health research agenda that an alliance has been formed formally to address the burden of eye disease. This detailed symposium initiated in January outlined the needs and demands for a joined effort, one of collaboration and exchange, an effort to treat, reduce, or prevent vision impairments.
The Earley Family Foundation and its members have been an activist force to support vision health here in the United States with the Foundation for Fighting Blindness in Baltimore, Maryland for almost three decades, and for the six years now, supporting causes to help the visually impaired in Mexico City. It is a natural extension for the Earley Family Foundation to become involved with specific needs in the field of visual impairment and this team looks to help build a better Mexico by lowering the incidence of childhood blindness, with its initial focus on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), blindness developed as a result of premature birth, and which is imminently treatable and preventable.
This diverse group of individuals called the NO ROP MEX team includes researchers, scientists, clinicians, consultants, and supporters, composed of citizens from Mexico, the US, and countries around the world. To achieve their vision, the team seeks to learn from the public hospital stakeholders in Mexico City what is required to reduce blindness from ROP at a specific institution.
This team can then assist in addressing these needs by providing confidential support on the use of technology, equipment, skill development, process improvement, and developing best practices.
Mission Statement
The NO ROP MEX team commits itself to reduce Retinopathy of Prematurity and its effects through the dedicated efforts of a specific cooperative consulting program with the hospital systems in Mexico City.
Through emphasis on learning, technology transfer, training, systems, and processes, we will apply our learnings, experiences, and relationships to reduce prematurity of retinopathy through consulting and training on the optimal use of technology and equipment.
Our Vision
We would like to see more sharing of ideas, concepts, relationships, and practices as the pathway to reduce or avoid ROP in the Mexico City Hospitals - the cooperation and communication must be improved and sustained between the staff and the specific units in ways that are precise, prompt, and actionable.
These changes must be learning orientated so the development can be replicated and become part of the processes needed to manage properly the infant in their early months.
These include the nutrition for the baby, control of the oxygen in a deliberate manner, follow specific care routines, practice kangaroo care, involve the family, ensure good housekeeping, effect high quality hygiene practices, deploy antibiotics minimally, and record any observations or changes.
Values
We believe...
that sharing of knowledge and experience remains among the most important things we can do through the integration of disciplines such as nursing, staff, and administration to accelerate and shape success.
that helping people in a compassionate way is a fundamental part of a life.
that informing parents and families about their roles and responsibilities improves the likelihood of a positive outcome for all involved with ROP.
that everyone wants to learn and improve themselves in a positive way.
Approach
We will offer specific counseling and advisory programs that focus on how to reduce the ROP incidence in that institution.
We will learn more through a basic survey questionnaire about your hospital and its ROP program.
We know each situation will be different, and will draw upon our resources, technologies, learnings and relationships to assist you.
We will analyze the provided information and design specific strategies to accommodate your needs.
We will help you to implement those specific strategies in a timely manner.
We consider this project and this assessment to be private and confidential.
THE NO ROP MEX TEAM
Estela M Acosta
dirrecion@illumins.mx
Ms. Estela Acosta, a widely acclaimed activist in Mexico City for the visually impaired, leads and manages the acclaimed Institute for Ophthalmology, a leading organization in the training, development, and introduction of life changing technology to the visually impaired in Mexico.
Jorge Sapien Almada
jsapien@kionetworks.com
Mr. Jorge Sapien Almada is the CEO of KIO Networks, a local Mexico City company now grown throughout Mexico and Latin America, employing 2000 people in a broad collection of technological products and services.
William Earley
bearley@verizon.net
Mr. William Earley, a retired Wall Street consultant, co-manages the Earley Family Foundation from Philadelphia. This family foundation supports a wide range of vision issues in Mexico City though learning and technology. Its effort originated in 2016 with several orphanages in Mexico City and continues today.
Armando Gomez
agcobian@yahoo.com
Mr. Armando Gomez, a lifelong native of Mexico City, manages a financial consulting and asset management firm in Mexico City plus leads his family foundation focusing on a wide range of issues affecting children throughout the Mexico City area.
Graham E Quinn
QUINN@email.chop.edu
Dr. Graham E Quinn, a professor of ophthalmology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, has had an interest in ROP since the 1970s with both a long history of international work in ROP blindness prevention and extensive experience in ROP clinical trials and studies.
Jonathan Sears
SEARSJ@ccf.org
Dr. Jonathan Sears, a researcher, scientist, and ophthalmologist associated with the Cleveland Clinic, focuses his work specifically on ROP. His laboratory and its team deploy ROP models to prevent retinal detachments through the application of pharmaceutical agents to control oxygen.
Lee Swayze
leeannswayze@yahoo.co.uk
Ms. Lee Swayze is a retired executive with extensive experience in Spain and England and is a board member of the The Earley Family Foundation. Ms. Swayze actively supports young orphaned women who live in several Mexico City Orphanages on a wide series of issues such as learning, development, and technology.
Sebastian Aguilar
sebastianag@gmail.com
Mr. Sebastian Aguilar, a former KKR executive, divides his time between Los Angeles and Mexico City. His firm and their focus revolve around the deployment of multi-purpose technologies in the retail sector as a way to inform, service, and sell customers in
the store.
Linda Cernichiaro
linda.cernichiaro@gmail.com
Dr. Linda A Cernichiaro-Espinosa is a renowned retina specialist in Mexico City focusing on a wide range of retinal issues ranging from eye injuries to diseases such as pediatric cancer. She practices, researches, and lives in Mexico City.
Clare Gilbert
Clare.Gilbert@lshtm.ac.uk
Dr. Clare Gilbert, a global expert in vision impairment as an ophthalmologist and an academic, has held a senior position at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for over three decades where her specialty focuses on pediatric blindness, especially ROP.
Rosa Mendizabal-Espinosa
r.mendizabal@ucl.ac.uk
Dr. Mendizabal-Espinosa, a native of Mexico, is now a research associate at the Social Research Institute at the University College in London where her specialty is early childhood development and learning. Her prior work focused on public hospitals in Mexico
City and early childhood experiences, especially in the neo-natal care areas.
Dr Lorena Ramirez Patino
Dr. Ramirez Patino, a native of Mexico City, is a highly regarded
ophthalmologist specializing in a wide range of pediatric eye diseases and
conditions---among her emphasis is the diagnosis and treatment of
Retinopathy of Prematurity, she practices, researches, and teaches at
several world class hospitals in Mexico City.
Ms. Christine Sonnie
Ms. Sonnie, originally from Cleveland, holds degrees in nursing and has held
a series of nursing and administrative positions focusing on
ophthalmological treatment and processes----her current area of research and
care, Retina-vitreous, includes Retinopathy of Prematurity and the
diagnosis, treatment, and care for those involved with this condition.
Metrics
We will measure the number of premature babies born in these hospitals.
We will measure gestational age, birth weight, incidence and severity of ROP as reported by the Hospital.
We will evaluate and document the process based on those specific parameters.
We will track and monitor the severity of ROP and how effective the practices were to reduce its effect.
2024
January, 2024
Profiled and initiated recruiting on program guides from various hospitals who would
assist and support building the Mexico City Eye Community
Preparing translations and distribution of recruitment guides to expand eye community
Developing project plan for Call Center concept and relevant plan
March, 2024
The assistants program where we will support pediatric ophthalmologists working in the public hospitals and their need to revise, add, or follow up with the child-patients and their parents was Discussed and planned during our time in Mexico City.
Meetings with both Jones Day and the Mexican Health and Human Services were presented and conducted to assess the viability and legality of this approach.
Discussions with the National mid Wives Association and the Home Care Nurses were undertaken so as to include them on our ongoing efforts to train and improve the skills of the public nurses, especially Those working in the Mexico City area in the public hospitals.
Sessions to develop a certified and accredited training program for specialized nurses remains challenging---the universities and nursing schools, much like in Europe, have launched their own offerings.
April, 2024
Discussions continue with the Neo Natal Center in Toluca for a training session continues and plans are currently being developed for a fall implementation.
Eye Channel planning continues with the MXDC based content experts for topics and speakers----format currently being revised and finalized before selection and additional design.
Newsletter has been created, programmed, and ready to be launched in early May with eye related news in a user friendly format and MXC relevance to issues, concerns, and opportunities.
May, 2024
Initial newsletter distributed and well received by participants----several ideas for additional topics and writers going forward as local involvement remains key to success.
Several technology leaders and vendors have agreed to fall seminar participation---additional discussions required to design and agree on roles plus support.
Software considerations for optimal decision-making of patient management and decision making processes.
2023
November, 2023
Completed review of proposed call center concept with HHS staff.
Reviewed potential and application of Eye Channel ZOOM concept with Jones Day staff
Concluded negotiations and review with London Hygiene and Eye on NICU training
Conducted discussion and feedback on the recent Congress sessions and Lessons Learned
October, 2023
Prepared analysis of finances and expenses for London Hygiene training
program
Developed and fielded nursing survey to assess needs and developments.
Completed initial technology survey for public nurses training and skill
improvements
Completed interview schedule in Mexico City for nurses and administrators
September, 2023
Reviewed proposal from London Hygiene and Eye on ROP educational Forum
Program with team members
Evaluated alternate plans for Baby Board design and compilation
Evaluated surveys from May meetings and follow up with both May 23 and
November 22 attendees
July, 2023
Meet with London Eye Hospital to assess translation project for ROP certification
Assessed interest and preparing proposal to review and present for Eye Hospital based Spanish version of accreditation program To be offered in MXC
June, 2023
Reviewed and analyzed formal feedback and review sheets from May 22 participants
Debriefed all NOROPMEX team on feedback and plans for December session
Evaluated future roles, mix, and skill sets of future attendees.
Drafted future pov with Toluca staff and their capabilities
May, 2023
Visited Toluca location and interviewed National Neo Clinic in northeast Mexico for best practices
Participated in pre-meeting with nurses, technicians, and staff on issues and thoughts
Conducted May 22 session for attendees in person in MXC
Debriefed team and prepared post meeting analysis with presenters and key participants
Conducted meeting with US Embassy Health and Human Services Group
Held information session with Jones Day and their community team
Meet with Colgate executives on a wide range of topics at corporate location
Meet with Coca Cola executives to review and understand community involvement
April, 2023
Finalized scripts and learning points for May 22 session in MXC
Screened topics and content Interviewed potential speakers and materials for May session
Evaluated hotel arrangements and details for May 20 session
Scoped out financial costs and timing for meeting plus predicted mix of participants
March, 2023
Conducted meeting with May ROP Team to finalize assignments
Drafted and recruited new members for May event
Reviewed telemedicine contacts and system for May presentations
Redesigned graphics and content for May meeting
February, 2023
Launched effort to add new speakers and audiences to May Program
Completed and designed May invitation
Distributed invitation to audiences for confirmation and areas of learning
January, 2023
Recruited initial contacts for next session in May of 2023
Completed contracts and program for May of 2023
Approached initial designs for Baby Board to be presented in May of 2023 as prototype
2022
December, 2022
Completed Congress follow up report and compiled participant survey responses
Distributed certificates of attendance for all November attendees
Debriefed team on the strengths and weaknesses plus feedback
November, 2022
Trained staff and conducted rehearsal day for meeting
Conducted congress day and followed up with appropriate people
Visited with embassy staff and debriefed based on the response
October, 2022
Finalized documents fir printing and proofing with translation service and printing groups.
Reviewed presentations and collaterals for distribution.
Coordinated links and support with hotel and appropriate groups.
Finalized schedules and plans with team.
September, 2022
Finalized negotiations and details for November 2022 Congress in MXC for Norop training session.
Visited Mujer Hospital to review upcoming site inspection for November assistance.
Completed interviews for participation from visiting presenters at Congress.
Reviewed translation choices and selected partner to perform services in meeting.
Conducted panning meeting for November Congress with partners.
Discussed upcoming actions with US Health Services at Embassy.
June, 2022
Selected topics and delivery mode for presentations and discussions at sessions.
Discussed session with several nursing associations and councils as way to initiate demand.
Reviewed credentials for certification process and testing for attendees.
Completed and fielded Congress announcements for upcoming meeting.
May, 2022
Finalized partnership with Condee Valenciana and Cleveland Clinic to be partners focusing on ROP in the November 2022 session.
Completed administrative requirements to donate through detailed work of Jones Day in Mexico City.
Coordinated support in Mexico City of sponsors and supporters of the November Conference.
Arranged for hotel support and cooperation in pre-planning.
April, 2022
Presented findings to several technology companies for responses and estimates.
Developed potential agenda and deliverables for November meeting.
Recruited several prospective speakers and tested limits of program.
Finalized budgets for potential support and assistance.
March, 2022
Presented report and findings to senior team at Mujer Hospital.
Conducted individual consolidations of physicians and nurses.
Visited and interviewed several medical technology companies.
Conducted best practices sessions with several other hospitals in Mexico City.
Interviewed potential support personnel for seminar in November.
Audited hotel accommodations and facilities.
February, 2022
Received responses from the nursing, neonatologist, pediatrician, and ophthalmologist Team members at Mujer Hospital.
Initiated the translation and compilation process from responses in MXC.
Recruited additional content experts to interpret data and responses.
Initiated fund raising campaign to provide support for hospital campaign.
Secured support from Jones Day and Crowe concerning role, responsibilities, and status.
January, 2022
Submitted surveys for printing and distribution to Mujer staff via FedEx to MXC.
Initiated survey with Hospital staff and conducted technology reviews.
Developed drawings for upgrades and replacements to Mujer.
Tested processes and protocols with outside team members for peer reviews.
Completed Actions
December, 2021
Completed initial pass at technology audit and proposed support of the Mujer admission process.
Drafted responses to survey questions and completed evaluation effort to validate responses.
Recruited professional translators to support overall response and confirmation protocol
Tested survey questions from specific disciplines with NoROPMex content leaders in those areas
November, 2021
Conducted strategy sessions and activity planning with the involved entities such as CROWE, Jones Day, ABC Hospital, Mujeres Hospital, and Valencia.
Participated in network planning and design sessions with Dell architects and design staff.
Visited the Mujeres Hospital and meet with the section chiefs and General Director to review survey process, roles, and schedule.
Explored various payment strategies and transfer policies with Jones Day and CROWE.
Discussed current state of affairs with the staff at the US Embassy in Mexico City.
October, 2021
Completed survey profiles and documents for screening and testing of core groups.
Conducted and reviewed status and activities with NOROPMEX team.
Finalized production of informational video for ROP MEX TEAM.
September, 2021
Reviewed initial web version and made appropriate revisions based on content and technology
Developed and reviewed survey questions for three distinct areas tied to ROP outcome.
Reviewed status and activities plus Goals with senior executives from NIH, NEI, and US Embassy staff.
Reviewed specific issues with NOROPMEX team and planned to launch survey on October 23
August, 2021
Developed survey questionnaires for groups. Completed website design. Launched business development video. Finalized team memberships.
July, 2021
Began Video and Web site to support the overall strategy and act as an information source for plans and actions.
June, 2021
Introduced three-pronged approach to focus on public Hospitals through auditing the ophthalmological, neo-natal, and nursing perspectives in the support of the ROP reduction/elimination programs.
May, 2021
Initiated support and infrastructure with the ROP effort in Mexico City with EMC, DELL, and UBT.
April, 2021
Launched communications programs with potential donors and advisors to ensure precise and timely communications occurs on a regular basis.
February, 2021
Initiated plan to create and recruit team members based on their experiences, capabilities, and skills to develop a solution based and pro bono consulting practice to support the public hospitals in Mexico via their efforts to preventing or reducing pediatric blindness through Prematurity of retinopathy (ROP).
January, 2021
Conducted conference Calls with senior managers of the National Institute of Health and the National Eye Institute to explore the recent summit between Vision leaders in clinical work, research, and science from both Mexico and the United States pertaining to the symposium and its effect on policy, practices, and care.
Contact
Please address any questions or comments to William Earley at 1-610-664-4226 or bearley@verizon.net
Close
Enabling a person to see enables them to live a fuller life and achieve more of their potential in a more efficient and effective fashion, no small feat.
Dr. Robert D. Mulberger - (1915-1989)