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Ramke J, Silva JC, Gichangi M, Ravilla T, Burn H, Buchan JC, Welch V, Gilbert CE, Burton MJ. Cataract services for all: Strategies for equitable access from a global modified Delphi process. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0000631. [PMID: 36962938 PMCID: PMC10021896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Vision loss from cataract is unequally distributed, and there is very little evidence on how to overcome this inequity. This project aimed to engage multiple stakeholder groups to identify and prioritise (1) delivery strategies that improve access to cataract services for under-served groups and (2) population groups to target with these strategies across world regions. We recruited panellists knowledgeable about cataract services from eight world regions to complete a two-round online modified Delphi process. In Round 1, panellists answered open-ended questions about strategies to improve access to screening and surgery for cataract, and which population groups to target with these strategies. In Round 2, panellists ranked the strategies and groups to arrive at the final lists regionally and globally. 183 people completed both rounds (46% women). In total, 22 distinct population groups were identified. At the global level the priority groups for improving access to cataract services were people in rural/remote areas, with low socioeconomic status and low social support. South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa were the only regions in which panellists ranked women in the top 5 priority groups. Panellists identified 16 and 19 discreet strategies to improve access to screening and surgical services, respectively. These mostly addressed health system/supply side factors, including policy, human resources, financing and service delivery. We believe these results can serve eye health decision-makers, researchers and funders as a starting point for coordinated action to improve access to cataract services, particularly among population groups who have historically been left behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Ramke
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juan Carlos Silva
- Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Helen Burn
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - John C. Buchan
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vivian Welch
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Clare E. Gilbert
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J. Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Reis T, Lansingh V, Ramke J, Silva JC, Resnikoff S, Furtado JM. Cataract as a Cause of Blindness and Vision Impairment in Latin America: Progress Made and Challenges Beyond 2020. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 225:1-10. [PMID: 33412124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide an update of cataract as a cause of vision loss in Latin America and to analyze sex inequalities in cataract surgical coverage (CSC) and effective CSC (eCSC) in the region. DESIGN Population-based systematic review with longitudinal comparisons. METHODS The Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) and PubMed databased were searched for population-based studies reporting cataract blindness, surgical coverage, and outcomes published between January 2014 and December 2019. Information on the number of surgeries performed from the 2014-2016 period was obtained from ministries of health and was used for calculation of the cataract surgical rate (CSR). Sources such as Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) and Rapid Assessment of Cataract Surgical Services data were reanalyzed to calculate sex inequality in CSC and eCSC by subtracting the rate in women from the rate in men. RESULTS Cataract was the cause of 29.8%-77.6% of cases of blindness in the included studies; the CSR improved in 10 countries. The CSC pinhole visual acuity of 3/60 varied from 24.1% in Peru to 97.1% in Argentina, and the median absolute gender inequality CSC pinhole visual acuity 3/60 was -0.7%. The eCSC pinhole visual acuity 3/60 varied from 14.8% in Guatemala to 92.1% in Argentina, and the median absolute gender inequality eCSC pinhole visual acuity 3/60 was -0.8%. CONCLUSIONS Cataract remains a leading cause of blindness in Latin America. Coverage is suboptimal, and surgical results are also below target levels in many countries. Incentives for a better distribution of human resources, adequate training of ophthalmologists, and the inclusion of vision services in universal health care coverage could reduce the burden of cataract in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulio Reis
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Van Lansingh
- HelpMeSee, New York City, New York, USA; Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juan Carlos Silva
- Eye Care Program, Pan-American Health Organization, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Serge Resnikoff
- Brien Holden Vision Institute and School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - João M Furtado
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Lee CN, Ramke J, McCormick I, Zhang JH, Aghaji A, Mwangi N, Burn H, Gordon I, Yusufu M, He M, Silva JC, Burton MJ. Are we advancing universal health coverage through cataract services? Protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e039458. [PMID: 32641342 PMCID: PMC7348466 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Universal health coverage (UHC) includes the dimensions of equity in access, quality services that improve health and protection against financial hardship. Cataract continues to be the leading cause of blindness globally, despite cataract surgery being an efficacious intervention. The aim of this scoping review is to map the nature, extent and global distribution of data on cataract services for UHC in terms of equity, access, quality and financial protection. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The search will be constructed by an Information Specialist and undertaken in MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health databases. We will include all published non-interventional primary research studies and systematic reviews that report a quantitative assessment of access, equity, quality or financial protection of cataract surgical services for adults at the subnational, national, regional or global level from population-based surveys or routinely collected health service data since 1 January 2000 and published through to February 2020.Screening and data charting will be undertaken using Covidence systematic review software. Titles and abstracts of identified studies will be screened by two authors independently. Full-text articles of potentially relevant studies will be obtained and reviewed independently by two authors against the inclusion criteria. Any discrepancies between the authors will be resolved by discussion, and with a third author as necessary. A data charting form will be developed and piloted on three studies by three authors and amendments made as necessary. Data will be extracted by two reviewers independently and summarised narratively and using maps. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was not sought as the scoping review will only use published and publicly accessible data. The review will be published in an open access peer-reviewed journal. A summary of the results will be developed for website posting, stakeholder meetings and inclusion in the ongoing Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Ning Lee
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ian McCormick
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Justine H Zhang
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ada Aghaji
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Opthalmology, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Nyawira Mwangi
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Helen Burn
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, United Kingdom
| | - Iris Gordon
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mayinuer Yusufu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingguang He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Juan Carlos Silva
- Division of Blindness Prevention, Pan American Health Organization, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Matthew J Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Female Gender Remains a Significant Barrier to Access Cataract Surgery in South Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Ophthalmol 2020; 2020:2091462. [PMID: 32411426 PMCID: PMC7201788 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2091462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine whether the female gender is a barrier for the access to cataract surgery services in South Asia in the last two decades. Methods Eligible cross-sectional studies were identified via computer searches and reviewing the reference lists of the obtained articles. The cataract surgical coverage (CSC) by sex based on person and eyes at visual acuity <3/60 and 6/18 is extracted. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) for males receiving cataract surgery in comparison with females were calculated by a random effect model. Results Sixteen studies with 135972 subjects were included in the final analysis. The pooled ORs of CSC by sex on a person basis at visual acuity <3/60 and at visual acuity <6/18 were 1.46 (95% CI: 1.23-1.75) and 1.14 (95% CI: 1.05-1.24), respectively. For CSC on a per-eye basis at visual acuity <3/60, the associations were statistically significant, with a pooled OR of 1.40 (95% CI: 1.16-1.70). The values of population attributable risk percentage at a per-person and per-eye basis at visual acuity <3/60 were 6.28% and 7.48%, respectively. Subgroup analyses by design and location types attained similar results as the primary analyses. There was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions The female gender remains a significant barrier for the access to cataract surgery in South Asia. Visual impairment, including blindness, from unoperated cataract, could be reduced by approximately 6.28% with the elimination of gender disparities to access. More efforts are needed to increase eye care service utilization by female population.
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Golozar A, Chen Y, Lindsley K, Rouse B, Musch DC, Lum F, Hawkins BS, Li T. Identification and Description of Reliable Evidence for 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines for Cataract in the Adult Eye. JAMA Ophthalmol 2019; 136:514-523. [PMID: 29800249 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2018.0786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Importance Trustworthy clinical practice guidelines require reliable systematic reviews of the evidence to support recommendations. Since 2016, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has partnered with Cochrane Eyes and Vision US Satellite to update their guidelines, the Preferred Practice Patterns (PPP). Objective To describe experiences and findings related to identifying reliable systematic reviews that support topics likely to be addressed in the 2016 update of the 2011 AAO PPP guidelines on cataract in the adult eye. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional study. Systematic reviews on the management of cataract were searched for in an established database. Each relevant systematic review was mapped to 1 or more of the 24 management categories listed under the Management section of the table of contents of the 2011 AAO PPP guidelines. Data were extracted to determine the reliability of each systematic review using prespecified criteria, and the reliable systematic reviews were examined to find whether they were referenced in the 2016 AAO PPP guidelines. For comparison, we assessed whether the reliable systematic reviews published before February 2010 the last search date of the 2011 AAO PPP guidelines were referenced in the 2011 AAO PPP guidelines. Cochrane Eyes and Vision US Satellite did not provide systematic reviews to the AAO during the development of the 2011 AAO PPP guidelines. Main Outcomes and Measures Systematic review reliability was defined by reporting eligibility criteria, performing a comprehensive literature search, assessing methodologic quality of included studies, using appropriate methods for meta-analysis, and basing conclusions on review findings. Results From 99 systematic reviews on management of cataract, 46 (46%) were classified as reliable. No evidence that a comprehensive search had been conducted was the most common reason a review was classified as unreliable. All 46 reliable systematic reviews were cited in the 2016 AAO PPP guidelines, and 8 of 15 available reliable reviews (53%) were cited in the 2011 PPP guidelines. Conclusions and Relevance The partnership between Cochrane Eyes and Vision US Satellite and the AAO provides the AAO access to an evidence base of relevant and reliable systematic reviews, thereby supporting robust and efficient clinical practice guidelines development to improve the quality of eye care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asieh Golozar
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yujiang Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kristina Lindsley
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Benjamin Rouse
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David C Musch
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Flora Lum
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, San Francisco, California
| | - Barbara S Hawkins
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tianjing Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Pant HB, Bandyopadhyay S, John N, Chandran A, Gudlavalleti MVS. Differential cataract blindness by sex in India: Evidence from two large national surveys. Indian J Ophthalmol 2017; 65:160-164. [PMID: 28345574 PMCID: PMC5381297 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_28_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Women suffer disproportionately more from cataract blindness compared to males in low- and middle-income countries. Two large population-based surveys have been undertaken in India at an interval of 7 years and data from these surveys provided an opportunity to assess the trends in gender differentials in cataract blindness. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were extracted from the surveys to discern sex differences in cataract blindness. Multivariate analysis was performed to adjust for confounders and their impact on gender differences in cataract blindness. Blindness was defined as presenting vision <20/400 in the better eye, and a cataract blind person was defined as a blind person where the principal cause of loss of vision was cataract. RESULTS Prevalence of cataract blindness was higher in females compared to males in both surveys. The odds of cataract blindness for females did not change over time as observed in the surveys (1999-2001 and 2006-2007). Adjusted odds ratio from logistic regression analysis revealed that females continued to be at a higher risk of cataract blindness. CONCLUSIONS Sex differences continued in India in relation to cataract blindness despite the gains made by the national program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hira B Pant
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Souvik Bandyopadhyay
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Neena John
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Anil Chandran
- Department of Demography, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Ramke J, Zwi AB, Lee AC, Blignault I, Gilbert CE. Inequality in cataract blindness and services: moving beyond unidimensional analyses of social position. Br J Ophthalmol 2017; 101:395-400. [PMID: 28228412 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2016-309691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inequalities in cataract blindness are well known, but data are rarely disaggregated to explore the combined effects of a range of axes describing social disadvantage. We examined inequalities in cataract blindness and services at the intersection of three social axes. METHODS Three dichotomous social variables (sex (male/female); place of residence (urban/rural); literacy (literate/illiterate)) from cross-sectional national blindness surveys in Pakistan (2001-2004; n=16 507) and Nigeria (2005-2007; n=13 591) were used to construct eight subgroups, with disadvantaged subgroups selected a priori (ie, women, rural dwellers, illiterate). In each data set, the social distribution of cataract blindness, cataract surgical coverage (CSC) and effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) were examined. Inequalities were assessed comparing the best-off and worst-off subgroups using rate differences and rate ratios (RRs). Logistic regression was used to assess cumulative effects of multiple disadvantage. RESULTS Disadvantaged subgroups experienced higher prevalence of cataract blindness, lower CSC and lower eCSC in both countries. A social gradient was present for CSC and eCSC, with coverage increasing as social position improved. Relative inequality in eCSC was approximately twice as high as CSC (Pakistan: eCSC RR 2.7 vs CSC RR 1.3; Nigeria: eCSC RR 8.7 vs CSC RR 4.1). Cumulative disadvantage was observed for all outcomes, deteriorating further with each additional axis along which disadvantage was experienced. CONCLUSIONS Each outcome tended to be worse with the addition of each layer of social disadvantage. Illiterate, rural women fared worst in both settings. Moving beyond unidimensional analyses of social position identified subgroups in most need; this permits a more nuanced response to addressing the inequitable distribution of cataract blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Ramke
- University of New South Wales, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Auckland, School of Population Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anthony B Zwi
- University of New South Wales, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Health, Rights and Development, UNSW (@HEARDatUNSW), Sydney, Australia
| | - Arier C Lee
- University of Auckland, School of Population Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ilse Blignault
- University of New South Wales, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Western Sydney University, School of Medicine, Centre for Health Research, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Clare E Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Ramke J, Zwi AB, Palagyi A, Blignault I, Gilbert CE. Equity and Blindness: Closing Evidence Gaps to Support Universal Eye Health. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2015; 22:297-307. [DOI: 10.3109/09286586.2015.1077977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Gomez Bastar PA, Lansingh VC, Penniecook-Sawyers JA, Celis Suazo B, Martínez Castro F, Batlle JF, López Star EM. La catarata sigue siendo la principal causa de ceguera en economías emergentes, incluyendo México. REVISTA MEXICANA DE OFTALMOLOGÍA 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mexoft.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Ramke J, Welch V, Blignault I, Gilbert C, Petkovic J, Blanchet K, Christensen R, Zwi AB, Tugwell P. Interventions to improve access to cataract surgical services and their impact on equity in low- and middle-income countries. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Ramke
- University of New South Wales; School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Room G25, Ground Floor, Morven Brown Building Sydney New South Wales Australia 2052
| | - Vivian Welch
- University of Ottawa; Bruyere Research Institute; 43 Bruyere Street Ottawa ON Canada K1N 5C8
| | - Ilse Blignault
- University of New South Wales; School of Public Health and Community Medicine; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Clare Gilbert
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious & Tropical Diseases; 9 Bedford Square London UK WC1B 3RE
| | - Jennifer Petkovic
- University of Ottawa; Centre for Global Health, Bruyere Research Institute; 85 Primrose Ave Ottawa ON Canada K1R 7G5
| | - Karl Blanchet
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; International Centre for Eye Health; Keppel Street London UK WC1E 7HT
| | - Robin Christensen
- Copenhagen University Hospital, Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark; Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit (MSU), The Parker Institute, Dept Rheumatology; Nordrefasanvej 57 Copenhagen Denmark DK-2000
| | - Anthony B Zwi
- University of New South Wales; School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Room G25, Ground Floor, Morven Brown Building Sydney New South Wales Australia 2052
| | - Peter Tugwell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa; Department of Medicine; Ottawa ON Canada K1H 8M5
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Leasher JL, Lansingh V, Flaxman SR, Jonas JB, Keeffe J, Naidoo K, Pesudovs K, Price H, Silva JC, White RA, Wong TY, Resnikoff S, Taylor HR, Bourne RRA. Prevalence and causes of vision loss in Latin America and the Caribbean: 1990–2010. Br J Ophthalmol 2014; 98:619-28. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2013-304013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As the elderly population continues to grow in the USA, an understanding of the increasing burden of cataract is pivotal. This review seeks to iterate the presence of this burden and to understand it better in the context of race, sex, and socioeconomic factors. RECENT FINDINGS Although there have been multiple prevalence studies addressing the cataract burden in the USA, updated literature that directly elucidates the above issues has been sparse. Recent data support previous findings that the cataract burden among women is greater than that of men, likely predominantly due to greater longevity. With regard to race, there appears to be a slightly increased burden among Whites, although this increase may show regional variability and change over the next few decades, especially as the presently young Hispanic population continues to age and grow. It is likely that the significant divider responsible for unmet cataract surgery is socioeconomic, due to such factors as insurance coverage, income, and barriers to access such as transportation, service accessibility, and awareness. These latter barriers of income and access appear to be identical to those identified in developing countries. SUMMARY The cataract burden in the USA is significant and is expected to continue to grow. Further studies are warranted to help us better understand barriers to access, particularly with regard to race and socioeconomic factors. Local efforts to address education and logistical barriers as well as nationwide policy efforts to address insurance coverage appear to be a crucial factor in surmounting an ongoing but treatable chronic disease.
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Ulldemolins AR, Lansingh VC, Valencia LG, Carter MJ, Eckert KA. Social inequalities in blindness and visual impairment: a review of social determinants. Indian J Ophthalmol 2012; 60:368-75. [PMID: 22944744 PMCID: PMC3491260 DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.100529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Health inequities are related to social determinants based on gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, living in a specific geographic region, or having a specific health condition. Such inequities were reviewed for blindness and visual impairment by searching for studies on the subject in PubMed from 2000 to 2011 in the English and Spanish languages. The goal of this article is to provide a current review in understanding how inequities based specifically on the aforementioned social determinants on health influence the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness. With regards to gender inequality, women have a higher prevalence of visual impairment and blindness, which cannot be only reasoned based on age or access to service. Socioeconomic status measured as higher income, higher educational status, or non-manual occupational social class was inversely associated with prevalence of blindness or visual impairment. Ethnicity and race were associated with visual impairment and blindness, although there is general confusion over this socioeconomic position determinant. Geographic inequalities and visual impairment were related to income (of the region, nation or continent), living in a rural area, and an association with socioeconomic and political context was suggested. While inequalities related to blindness and visual impairment have rarely been specifically addressed in research, there is still evidence of the association of social determinants and prevalence of blindness and visual impairment. Additional research should be done on the associations with intermediary determinants and socioeconomic and political context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rius Ulldemolins
- Department of Optometry, UNESCO Chair of Visual Health, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Van C Lansingh
- Latin America International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, WY, USA
| | - Laura Guisasola Valencia
- Department of Optometry, UNESCO Chair of Visual Health, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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