Global monitoring of eye care coverage in refugee populations

Health is a human right that includes the Right to Sight. Disparities in eye care are frequently documented among vulnerable segments of society, indicating that the Right to Sight is not being fully realized. Among the most vulnerable of populations in the world are refugees. Numerous barriers in refugee access to eye care have been noted, including lack of services, logistical and economic constraints, policy barriers, lack of awareness and others. As there is very limited information regarding eye care coverage in refugee populations, the International Rescue Committee has developed a platform for monitoring refugee access to eye care. An initial assessment is now underway to determine the current coverage of eye care in refugee camps world-wide. This assessment has four steps: Listing all refugee camps; determining what agency is responsible for health care in each camp; sending a brief questionnaire to the agency responsible at each site to ask about eye care coverage; collating and disseminating the results. The pre-tested questionnaire is being sent by Survey Monkey and asks about coverage for basic eye care, cataract surgery, eyeglasses, vitamin A supplementation, and programs to address trachoma and river blindness. Determining coverage and gaps in eye care will provide useful information for raising awareness and advocating for eye care for refugees and to better prioritize eye care needs among the many needs refugees face. We will repeat this process every 3-5 years to monitor if progress is being made among refugee populations being able to realize their Right to Sight