To establish the first step in a more organized approach to providing eye care to underprivileged countries, a manual for training laymen in the treatment of simple refractive problems is presented. The current approach involves periodic missions by groups of professionals establishing transient clinics and performing exams on the masses. This offers only a short-term solution, requiring the teams to return yearly to continue care. The most prevalent conditions treated are presbyopia and simple ametropia. Presbyopia affects the over 45 year-old population at the peak of their economic productivity and has been reported to have an earlier onset in many underprivileged countries. It is easily treated with simple spectacles at a minimal cost. The manual describes a procedure for 1) the management of presbyopia and simple ametropia, 2) education on sunglass use to prevent UV damage and 3) identification of individuals that may need additional care. The manual empowers the people to treat routine problems while screening for more complex conditions. It offers a simple and cheap solution to a common and economically debilitating problem. Eye care professionals will train health care workers in remote regions on using the manual. Training concludes with hands on work at which time competency is determined. Optometrists would treat those suspected of having more complex problems and identify when surgical intervention is needed with ophthalmologic teams providing surgical care. This approach will decrease the need for frequent returns to the same area, while increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the eye care missions.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the poster, the participant will be able to: 1. Recognize the problems with current strategies for providing vision care in developing countries. 2. Discuss and apply a new approach to enhance vision care in developing countries. 3. Use new knowledge and develop innovative strategies for improving the delivery of vision care in third world countries
Keywords: Vision Care, Developing Countries
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.