French military ophthalmologists experience in Afghanistan War ‐ 2006 ‐ 2013

French military ophthalmologists were deployed in Kabul, Afghanistan, since 2006 till december 2013. Their activity first focus was traumatic ocular injuries, concerning NATO forces and Afghan National Army soldiers. They also provided humanitary support to Afghan civilians, offering medical and surgical care. Kabul’s NATO French leaded hospital was equipped with high level examination, investigation and surgical treatment facilities, giving possibility to care all type of ocular emergencies. During 7 years, ophthalmologists realised 1000 surgical interventions. One third were done for traumatic injuries, the two other thirds were mainly cataract surgeries for Afghan population. 95% of all surgeries were for Afghan peoples and 5% interested NATO soldiers and contractors. Consultations were 25% for NATO forces, foreign civilians from embassies, international organisations and contractors and 75% for Afghan population. 10% of patients presented post traumatic ocular pathologies. The high level of equipement in the new NATO Hospital offered possibility to recieve Afghan ophthalmologists for mentoring and practical training.