Heartbeat: Eye can see clearly now!
December 4, 2020
Since the onset of COVID-19, the kindness and generosity of our local community to help see us through this pandemic safely has been unparalleled. We’ve seen many examples of people, community groups and organisations stepping forward to offer their support. One such example comes from Turves Green Boys’ School (TGBS).
The initiative led by Mr Fergus, Assistant Head Teacher involved students from the school stepping forward to support Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC). Mr Fergus said: “When the lockdown of schools took place in March 2020, I found that due to the limited number of children being educated on the school premises, that I had time on my hands to do something positive for the community.”
The face shields project was initially funded by the school and set out to provide much needed PPE to ophthalmologists and eye care practitioners. Mr Fergus, who has a strong passion for technology, produced the first 50 face shields with his 3D printer for colleagues at BMEC.
“I approached Mr Inglis, Head of Turves Green Boys’ School and asked him whether the school would provide the funding for me to produce face visors for medical or care institutions that needed them. He instantly agreed and gave me a budget which allowed me to purchase all the materials to start production.”
Later on, in collaboration with Aston University and the team led by Dr Antonio Fratini, Head of Biomedical Engineering, the production of face shields was increased to take advantage of their 3D printer facility. Dr Fratini remarked: “This is our small contribution to the community and a thank you to professionals on the front line. A particular mention must go to our technical support, Mr Shammi Adatia, for his efforts in sourcing materials and producing the visors in these difficult times.”
Recently, TGB School and Aston University delivered the first batch of the face shields that will help the staff during clinics. The face shields donated by the joint academic forces will be used by nursing, optometry and other ophthalmic allied healthcare professions, as well as BMEC medical staff working on the wards, clinics and emergency department.