Publication:

Screening-detected ocular morbidities and gaps in eye care utilization among older adults in rural Uttar Pradesh: a cross-sectional study

Background Older adults in rural Uttar Pradesh face a high burden of avoidable visual impairment. Community-based eye health evidence from this state, home to India's largest rural older-adult population, remains scarce.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted (February–March 2026) in five rural villages of Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Adults aged ≥50 years were enrolled using stratified random sampling (n=302; response rate 94.5%). Basic ocular screening (Snellen visual acuity at 6 metres and torchlight anterior segment examination) and a pretested questionnaire were used. Associations were assessed using Chi-square tests.

Results Among 302 participants (mean age 58.3±9.2 years; 58.9% female), 266 (88.1%) had at least one screening-detected ocular condition. Refractive error (53.8%) and suspected cataract (44.7%) were most prevalent. The refractive error correction gap was 52.6% and the cataract surgical gap was 67.0%. Awareness of government eye screening camps was 44.0%, and only 42.1% had ever attended one. Visual impairment was significantly more prevalent among older participants, females, illiterate individuals, and those of lower socioeconomic status (all p<0.05).

Conclusions There is a high burden of largely avoidable ocular morbidity in this rural population, with substantial refractive error correction and cataract surgical gaps. Integrating ocular screening into primary care and strengthening NPCBVI referral pathways are essential for reducing avoidable visual impairment in similar settings.