Eyes of St John (2017)

The documentary focuses on the issues facing a hospital which operates in a region which is full of political tension. The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital has been operating for over 130 years. The West Bank is subject to a system of movement restrictions, including the Separation Wall, permit system, settler-only roads, and the many checkpoints. Those living in the area are often facing extreme poverty. The hospital and satellite clinics and mobile outreach teams in the West Bank provides sight-saving treatments such as cataract and laser eye surgery to treat diabetic retinopathy. Their Gaza Hospital was established in 1992 to meet the growing need for eye care in a population that has been facing increasing difficulties in accessing the main hospital in Jerusalem. Over 1.8 million Palestinians live in isolation in Gaza, one of the most heavily populated areas in the world, of which 1.3 million are refugees. The St John School of Nursing is the only provider of specialist ophthalmic nursing training in the oPt. Upon completion, graduates are awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Nursing, accredited by the University of West London. Many nurses who undertake the course are given future employment with St John. Their 4-year Medical Residency Programme at the Jerusalem Hospital trains local doctors. Once qualified, the doctors can specialise in a particular area of ophthalmology under our Fellowship Programme. The Joint Teaching Programme in partnership with the Israeli Hadassah Medical Center, is where many of our doctors undertake their training. This partnership allows our doctors to access training that is not available to them in the oPt; as well as encouraging constructive relationships between Israelis and Palestinians.