Table 10 Suggestions for strengthening the link

Program planning and design

• There is need for continuous dialog and joint planning

• COECSA to drive the process by demonstrating both demand and ownership

• More opportunities for visits to the United Kingdom to “see how things are done”

• LINK to facilitate setting up of more VISION 2020 twinning links in the region

• LINK to provide more scope for interaction between the institutions in the ECSA region

• Expand the scope of collaboration to include research, subspecialty programs, mentoring and instruments

Program implementation

• Build capacity of editors of the scientific journal

• Involve middle-level eye care cadres in the LINK

• Training of examiners should be more intensive than just 1 day before the exams, “perhaps even organized in modules”

• Make the partnership equal and mutual

• Strengthen leadership of the COECSA and the LINK

Evaluation

• Gather evidence to demonstrate impact of the LINK

• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation, and source funding for it

Program planning and design

• Build on the successes of the partnership in future planning

Program implementation

• COECSA needs to build develop staff to take lead in all the activities

• Ensure the right people are on board for LINK activities

• Encourage continuity for lead roles or smooth handover/transition when new persons take up roles

• Aim to make each activity effective and evaluate effectiveness

• Ensure United Kingdom facilitators have clarity on their roles

• Improve frequency and regularity of communication

Evaluation

• COECSA to strengthen reporting on LINK activities

• Constantly evaluate if expectations of COECSA are being met