Publication:

Evaluation of community outreach program for detection of prevalence and causes of visual impairment in East Uttar Pradesh region

Background The purpose of this study was to find out the prevalence and the causes of visual impairments in rural areas of east Uttar Pradesh where peoples are still deprived of the spectacles and other corrective measures.

Methods In this retrospective study eye camps were conducted in 6 districts in east Uttar Pradesh over a period of 2 years from April 2016 to March 2018, we have conducted 893 camps and total 123597 patients were examined and following parameters were used- measure distance and near vision with Snellen’s vision drum, refraction, I. O. P., torchlight examination and dilated fundus examination.

Results About 36.15% patients were having refractive error problems, about 37.10% patients were found to have cataract, 3.20% patients were retina problems, 1.67% patients were cornea problems, 1.31% patients were oculoplastic problems, 1.21% patients were having glaucoma and 19.35% patients had other ocular problems as itching, watering and some of them were referred to base hospital for confirm the diagnosis. Those patients having refractive errors included myopia, hypermetropia and presbyopia glasses were dispensed at eye camp site. The patient require ocular surgery were immediately transferred to base hospital by hospital bus.

Conclusions The study showing outreach camps really helpful the people those suffering from visually impairment and not able to reach the hospital.