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Philippin H, Morny EKA, Heinrich SP, Töws I, Maier PC, Guthoff RF, Qureshi BM, Reinhard T, Burton MJ, Finger RP. [Global ophthalmology : Update]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2024; 121:157-170. [PMID: 38300260 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-023-01983-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The aim of global ophthalmology is to maximize vision, ocular health and functional ability, thereby contributing to overall health and well-being, social inclusion and quality of life of every individual worldwide. Currently, an estimated 1.1 billion people live with visual impairment, 90% of which can be prevented or cured through largely cost-effective interventions. At the same time, 90% of people affected live in regions with insufficient eye health coverage. This challenge drove the World Health Organization (WHO) and a group of nongovernmental organizations to launch "VISION 2020: the Right to Sight", a global campaign which recently concluded after 20 years. The achievements, challenges and lessons learned were identified and incorporated into the current campaign "2030 IN SIGHT".
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Philippin
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland.
- International Centre for Eye Health, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HTUK, London, Vereinigtes Königreich.
- CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission, Bensheim, Deutschland.
| | - Enyam K A Morny
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Sven P Heinrich
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
| | - Ingrid Töws
- Institut für Evidenz in der Medizin, Universitätsklinikum und Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
| | - Philip C Maier
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
| | - Rudolf F Guthoff
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universität Rostock, Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Babar M Qureshi
- CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission, Cambridge, Vereinigtes Königreich
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
| | - Matthew J Burton
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
| | - Robert P Finger
- Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Deutschland
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Ma X, Hao J, Jan C, Wan Y, Xie Y, Liu C, Shi Y, Hu A, Cao K, Congdon N, Rozelle S, Dong Z, Wang N. Barriers to uptake of cataract surgery among elderly patients in rural China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e076116. [PMID: 38171622 PMCID: PMC10773311 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate factors that differentiate elderly adults in rural China who accept free vision screening and cataract surgery from those who could benefit from vision care but refuse it when offered. DESIGN We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study between October and December 2016. Logistic regression models were used to examine the predictors of accepting free vision screening and cataract surgery. SETTING Rural communities in Handan, China. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 50 years or older, with presenting visual acuity ≤6/18 in the better seeing eye, suspected by examining ophthalmologist to be due to cataract. RESULTS Among 613 persons with cataract identified on a population basis, 596 (97.2%) completed the household survey (mean (SD) age, 71.5 (10.0) years; 79.8% female). A total of 214 persons (35.9%) refused participation, while 382 (64.1%) took part in the vision screening. A total of 193 (50.5%) participants were found eligible for surgery, while 189 (49.5%) were not. Among 99 randomly selected participants who were offered immediate free surgery, surgery was accepted by 77 participants (77.8%) and refused by 22 (22.2%). In the multivariate model, being engaged in income-generating activities (p<0.01), self-reported better physical capacity (p<0.001) and having had a recent physical examination (p=0.01) were significantly associated with acceptance of vision screening. The only variable significantly associated with acceptance of surgery was presenting visual acuity, with better vision inversely associated with acceptance of surgery (p<0.05) models. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that refusal of basic eye examinations may be at least as important a determinant of low surgical rates in rural China as lack of acceptance of surgery itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Ma
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Hao
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital CMU, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing, China
| | - Catherine Jan
- The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yue Wan
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital CMU, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Xie
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital CMU, Beijing, China
| | - Chengfang Liu
- China Center for Agricultural Policy, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaojiang Shi
- Center for Experimental Economics in Education (CEEE), Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ailian Hu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital CMU, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Cao
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital CMU, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing, China
| | - Nathan Congdon
- Ophthalmology and Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Scott Rozelle
- Freeman Spogli Institute of International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Zhe Dong
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital CMU, Beijing, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital CMU, Beijing, China
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Wong B, Singh K, Everett B, O’Brien KS, Ravilla T, Khanna RC, Chase H, Frick KD. The case for investment in eye health: systematic review and economic modelling analysis. Bull World Health Organ 2023; 101:786-799. [PMID: 38024247 PMCID: PMC10680113 DOI: 10.2471/blt.23.289863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess how the returns on investment from correcting refractive errors and cataracts in low- and middle-income countries compare with the returns from other global development interventions. Methods We adopted two complementary approaches to estimate benefit-cost ratios from eye health investment. First, we systematically searched PubMed® and Web of Science™ on 14 August 2023 for studies conducted in low-and-middle-income countries, which have measured welfare impacts associated with correcting refractive errors and cataracts. Using benefit-cost analysis, we compared these impacts to costs. Second, we employed an economic modelling analysis to estimate benefit-cost ratios from eye health investments in India. We compared the returns from eye health to returns in other domains across global health and development. Findings We identified 21 studies from 10 countries. Thirteen outcomes highlighted impacts from refractive error correction for school students. From the systematic review, we used 17 out of 33 outcomes for benefit-cost analyses, with the median benefit-cost ratio being 36. The economic modelling approach for India generated benefit-cost ratios ranging from 28 for vision centres to 42 for school eye screening, with an aggregate ratio of 31. Comparing our findings to the typical investment in global development shows that eye health investment returns six times more benefits (median benefit-cost ratio: 36 vs 6). Conclusion Eye health investments provide economic benefits with varying degrees based on the intervention type and location. Our findings underline the importance of incorporating eye health initiatives into broader development strategies for substantial societal returns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Wong
- Mettalytics, 23 Philip St, South Golden Beach 2483, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Bryce Everett
- Department of Economics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America (USA)
| | - Kieran S O’Brien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Thulasiraj Ravilla
- Lions Aravind Institute of Community Ophthalmology, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, India
| | - Rohit C Khanna
- Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Kevin D Frick
- Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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Mohammed J, Assegid S, Fekadu L, Kabeta T. Cataract Surgery Visual Outcome and Associated Factors Among Adults Attended Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:3341-3351. [PMID: 37941776 PMCID: PMC10629348 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s434453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cataract is the leading cause of blindness and the second leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, accounting for 51% and 33% of all cases, respectively, in low- and medium-income countries bearing a disproportionately high burden. Hence, this study aimed to assess the visual outcome of age-related cataract surgery and identify factors associated with patients' postoperative visual outcomes in Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 386 cataract surgery patients from January 1, 2016, to December 30, 2017. The study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by reviewing the selected patients' medical records using a pre-tested checklist, entered into EpiData version 3.1, and exported to SPSS 20 for analysis. Proportions, summary statistics, and tables were used for presentations of the findings. Binary logistic regression was carried out to identify independent predictors of visual outcome. Findings were presented with adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence interval. A p-value <0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association. Results About 231 individuals (59.8%) had poor visual results following cataract surgery. Furthermore, age >70 (AOR = 3.64; 95% CI [1.35-9.82]), preoperative ocular co-morbidities (AOR = 2.34; [1.32-4.15]), incision-based cataract surgery (AOR = 7.11; [3.16-16.02]), compared phacoemulsification operated by resident surgeons (AOR = 2.19; [1.23-3.89]), presence of intraoperative complication (AOR = 3.41; [1.47-7.92]), lens remnant (AOR = 2.91; [1.11-4.92]), ocular inflammation (OR = 2.56; [1.34-4.92]), and striate keratopathy/corneal edema (AOR = 1.91; [1.07-3.44]) were significantly associated with poor visual outcome. Conclusion The visual outcome following cataract surgery fall below WHO recommendation. In this study, age, ocular co-morbidities, surgical method, surgeon status, intraoperative complication, SK, and ocular inflammation associated with post-operative Uveitis and anterior chamber reaction were associated with a poor visual outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemmal Mohammed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Sahilu Assegid
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Lata Fekadu
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Teshome Kabeta
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Tan X, Han X, Zheng Y, Jin L, Qiu X, Zhu Y, Chen C, Zhang J, Dickey H, Wang D, Huang S, Liu B, Liang X, Zeng Y, Lin H, He M, Luo L, Huang W, Congdon N, Liu Y. Impact of Cataract Surgery on Income in Rural Southern China: The SUCCESS Randomized Controlled Trial. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2023; 12:355-363. [PMID: 37523426 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Visual impairment from cataracts is closely associated with low income, but trial evidence regarding the impact of surgery on income is lacking. We investigated whether cataract surgery could increase personal income. DESIGN A 2-arm, parallel-group, open-label, randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03020056). METHODS Persons aged 50 years or older in rural Guangdong, China, with best-corrected visual acuity <6/19 in both eyes due to cataracts were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive surgery within 4 weeks (intervention group), or 1 year later (control group). All participants were interviewed at baseline and end-line regarding demographic characteristics, income, and quality of life. RESULTS Among the 292 eligible persons (5.40%, mean age = 74.0 y, 61.0% women) randomly assigned to intervention (n = 146) or control (n = 146) groups, 12 participants (8.22%) in the intervention group and 1 (0.68%) in the control did not receive the allocated intervention. By study closeout, 18 participants (6.16%) were lost to follow-up. The mean 1-year income increase of the intervention group ($2469-$3588; change = $1119) was significantly larger than that of the controls ($2258-$2052; change = $-206), a between-group difference of $1325 (relative increase = 54.0%; 95% CI = $739 to $1911; P < 0.001). In multivariable modeling, intervention group membership was associated with greater income increase (β = 1143.2; 95% CI = 582.0 to 1704.3; P < 0.001). Greater improvement in best-corrected visual acuity was associated with income increase in univariable modeling (β = 1626.9; 95% CI = 1083.6 to 2170.1; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Cataract surgery substantially increases personal income in rural China, offering a strategy for poverty alleviation. The strong association between increased income and change in visual acuity enhances the biological plausibility of the result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhua Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaotong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaozhang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, US
| | - Chuan Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, US
| | - Jiaqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Decai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengsong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoling Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yangfa Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haotian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingguang He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lixia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenyong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nathan Congdon
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Public Health, Royal Victoria Hospital, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Orbis International, New York, NY, US
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Cicinelli MV, Buchan JC, Nicholson M, Varadaraj V, Khanna RC. Cataracts. Lancet 2023; 401:377-389. [PMID: 36565712 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01839-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
94 million people are blind or visually impaired globally, and cataract is the most common cause of blindness worldwide. However, most cases of blindness are avoidable. Cataract is associated with decreased quality of life and reduced life expectancy. Most cases of cataract occur after birth and share ageing and oxidative stress as primary causes, although several non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors can accelerate cataract formation. In most patients, phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation is the preferred treatment and is highly cost-effective. There has been an increase in the use of comprehensive cataract surgical services, including diagnoses, treatment referrals, and rehabilitation. However, global inequity in surgical service quality is still a limitation. Implementation of preoperative risk assessment, risk reduction strategies, and new surgical technologies have made cataract surgery possible at an earlier stage of cataract severity with the expectation of good refractive outcomes. The main challenge is making the service that is currently available to some patients accessible to all by use of universal health coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Cicinelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - John C Buchan
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maneck Nicholson
- Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Rohit C Khanna
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye Care, Hyderabad, India; Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Flessa S. Cataract Surgery in Low-Income Countries: A Good Deal! Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10122580. [PMID: 36554103 PMCID: PMC9778186 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cataract is a major cause of blindness worldwide. In particular, in low-income countries, the burden of disease as well as its direct and indirect economic cost are a major challenge for the population and economy. In many cases, it would be possible to prevent or cure blindness with a comparably simple cataract surgery, but many countries lack the resources to strengthen healthcare systems and implement broad cataract surgery programs reaching, in particular, the rural poor. In this paper, we analyse whether such an intervention could be cost-effective or even cost-saving for the respective health systems. We calculate the net value of the lifelong costs of cataract with and without surgery. This calculation includes direct costs (e.g., treatment, glasses, surgery) as well as indirect cost of the caregiver and the patient. We total all costs from the year of onset of cataract until death and discount the respective values to the year of onset. We define the surgery as cost-saving if the net-value of costs with surgery is lower than without surgery. If the cost per quality adjusted life year is lower than one gross national product per capita, we define the intervention as highly cost-effective. We find that the cost-effectiveness of cataract surgery depends on the age of onset of the disease and the age of surgery. If the surgery is performed with the beginning of severe impairment, even surgery of a 78-year-old patient is still cost-saving. Almost all possible constellations are highly cost-effective, only for the very old it is questionable whether the surgery should be performed. The simulations show that cataract surgery is one of the most cost-effective interventions. However, millions of people in low-income countries still have no chance to prevent or cure blindness due to limited resources. The findings of this paper clearly call for a stronger effort to reach poor and rural populations with this cost-effective service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Flessa
- Department of Health Care Management, Faculty of Law and Economics, University of Greifswald, 17487 Greifswald, Germany
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Queirós L, Redondo P, França M, Silva SE, Borges P, de Melo AB, Pereira N, da Costa PF, Carvalho N, Borges M, Sequeira I, Gonçalves FNR, Lemos J. Implementing ICHOM standard set for cataract surgery at IPO-Porto (Portugal): clinical outcomes, quality of life and costs. BMC Ophthalmol 2021; 21:119. [PMID: 33673817 PMCID: PMC7936410 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-021-01887-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper fills a gap in the applied research field, for a local context, by addressing the topics of describing cataract surgery' clinical outcomes; quality of life (QoL); and costs of the patients treated after the implementation of the ICHOM standard set. METHODS This is a retrospective observational study using real-world data (RWD). We included all patients subjected to cataract surgery at the Portuguese Institute of oncology - Porto (IPO-Porto), Portugal, after 3 months follow up period completed between 5th June 2017 and 21st May 2018. The following inclusion criteria: corrected visual acuity of ≤ 6/10 or other significant visual disturbance due to lens opacity or the existence of a large anisometropia. A circuit was implemented based on the ICHOM standard for cataract, to measure clinical variables (e.g. visual acuity) and QoL (CATQUEST-9SF) before and after surgery, and cost of treatment. The results were explored by means of a paired-sample t-test, considering normality assumptions. RESULTS Data refers to 268 patients (73 P25-P75:32-95 years old), regarding 374 eyes. The cataract surgery had a positive effect on visual acuity (p < 0.001), refraction (right and left cylinder; p < 0.001) and all QoL dimensions. The vast majority of patients, around 98%, reported improvements in QoL. Based on IPO-Porto administrative records, the direct cost of treating cataracts (per eye) is of 500€, representing a total cost of 187,000€ for the number of patients operated herein. CONCLUSION This study reports the successful implementation of the ICHOM standard set for cataracts in a Portuguese institution and confirms that cataract surgery provides a rapid visual recovery, with excellent visual outcomes and minimal complications in most patients, while also having a positive impact on patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Queirós
- Department of Ophthalmology, IPO-Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Redondo
- Management, Outcomes Research, and Economics in Healthcare Group, Porto, Portugal.
- Outcomes Research Lab, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil (IPO-PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.
| | - M França
- Department of Ophthalmology, IPO-Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro Borges
- Department of Ophthalmology, IPO-Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Nuno Pereira
- Department of Ophthalmology, IPO-Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Nazaré Carvalho
- Outcomes Research Lab, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil (IPO-PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marina Borges
- Management, Outcomes Research, and Economics in Healthcare Group, Porto, Portugal
- Outcomes Research Lab, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil (IPO-PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | - José Lemos
- Department of Ophthalmology, IPO-Porto, Porto, Portugal
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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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Ramke J, Kyari F, Mwangi N, Piyasena M, Murthy G, Gilbert CE. Cataract Services are Leaving Widows Behind: Examples from National Cross-Sectional Surveys in Nigeria and Sri Lanka. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16203854. [PMID: 31614715 PMCID: PMC6843674 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16203854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Sustainable Development Goals aim to leave no one behind. We explored the hypothesis that women without a living spouse—including those who are widowed, divorced, separated, and never married—are a vulnerable group being left behind by cataract services. Using national cross-sectional blindness surveys from Nigeria (2005–2007; n = 13,591) and Sri Lanka (2012–2014; n = 5779) we categorized women and men by marital status (married/not-married) and place of residence (urban/rural) concurrently. For each of the eight subgroups we calculated cataract blindness, cataract surgical coverage (CSC), and effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC). Not-married women, who were predominantly widows, experienced disproportionate cataract blindness—in Nigeria they were 19% of the population yet represented 56% of those with cataract blindness; in Sri Lanka they were 18% of the population and accounted for 54% of those with cataract blindness. Not-married rural women fared worst in access to services—in Nigeria their CSC of 25.2% (95% confidence interval, CI 17.8–33.8%) was far lower than the best-off subgroup (married urban men, CSC 80.0% 95% CI 56.3–94.3); in Sri Lanka they also lagged behind (CSC 68.5% 95% CI 56.6–78.9 compared to 100% in the best-off subgroup). Service quality was also comparably poor for rural not-married women—eCSC was 8.9% (95% CI 4.5–15.4) in Nigeria and 37.0% (95% CI 26.0–49.1) in Sri Lanka. Women who are not married are a vulnerable group who experience poor access to cataract services and high cataract blindness. To “leave no one behind”, multi-faceted strategies are needed to address their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Ramke
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Fatima Kyari
- College of Health Sciences, Baze University, Abuja 900108, Nigeria.
| | - Nyawira Mwangi
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.
| | - Mmpn Piyasena
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
- Ministry of Health, Indigenous Medicine and Nutrition, Policy Analysis and Development Unit, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka.
| | - Gvs Murthy
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
- Public Health Foundation of India, Hyderabad, Telangana 122002, India.
| | - Clare E Gilbert
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
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Tafida A, Kyari F, Abdull MM, Sivasubramaniam S, Murthy GVS, Kana I, Gilbert CE. Poverty and Blindness in Nigeria: Results from the National Survey of Blindness and Visual Impairment. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016; 22:333-41. [PMID: 26395660 DOI: 10.3109/09286586.2015.1077259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Poverty can be a cause and consequence of blindness. Some causes only affect the poorest communities (e.g. trachoma), and poor individuals are less likely to access services. In low income countries, cataract blind adults have been shown to be less economically active, indicating that blindness can exacerbate poverty. This study aims to explore associations between poverty and blindness using national survey data from Nigeria. METHODS Participants ≥40 years were examined in 305 clusters (2005-2007). Sociodemographic information, including literacy and occupation, was obtained by interview. Presenting visual acuity (PVA) was assessed using a reduced tumbling E LogMAR chart. Full ocular examination was undertaken by experienced ophthalmologists on all with PVA <6/12 in either eye. Causes of vision loss were determined using World Health Organization guidelines. Households were categorized into three levels of poverty based on literacy and occupation at household level. RESULTS A total of 569/13,591 participants were blind (PVA <3/60, better eye; prevalence 4.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8-4.6%). Prevalences of blindness were 8.5% (95% CI 7.7-9.5%), 2.5% (95% CI 2.0-3.1%), and 1.5% (95% CI 1.2-2.0%) in poorest, medium and affluent households, respectively (p = 0.001). Cause-specific prevalences of blindness from cataract, glaucoma, uncorrected aphakia and corneal opacities were significantly higher in poorer households. Cataract surgical coverage was low (37.2%), being lowest in females in poor households (25.3%). Spectacle coverage was 3 times lower in poor than affluent households (2.4% vs. 7.5%). CONCLUSION In Nigeria, blindness is associated with poverty, in part reflecting lower access to services. Reducing avoidable causes will not be achieved unless access to services improves, particularly for the poor and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tafida
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital , Kano , Nigeria
| | - F Kyari
- b College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja , Nigeria
| | - M M Abdull
- c Ophthalmology Department , Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital , Bauchi , Nigeria
| | - S Sivasubramaniam
- d International Centre for Eye Health, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK , and
| | - G V S Murthy
- d International Centre for Eye Health, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK , and
| | - I Kana
- e Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health , Abuja , Nigeria
| | - Clare E Gilbert
- d International Centre for Eye Health, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK , and
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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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Danquah L, Kuper H, Eusebio C, Rashid MA, Bowen L, Foster A, Polack S. The long term impact of cataract surgery on quality of life, activities and poverty: results from a six year longitudinal study in Bangladesh and the Philippines. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94140. [PMID: 24747192 PMCID: PMC3991652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cataract surgery has been shown to improve quality of life and household economy in the short term. However, it is unclear whether these benefits are sustained over time. This study aims to assess the six year impact of cataract surgery on health related quality of life (HRQoL), daily activities and economic poverty in Bangladesh and The Philippines. Methods and Findings This was a longitudinal study. At baseline people aged ≥50 years with visual impairment due to cataract (‘cases’) and age-, sex-matched controls without visual impairment were interviewed about vision specific and generic HRQoL, daily activities and economic indicators (household per capita expenditure, assets and self-rated wealth). Cases were offered free or subsidised cataract surgery. Cases and controls were re-interviewed approximately one and six years later. At baseline across the two countries there were 455 cases and 443 controls. Fifty percent of cases attended for surgery. Response rates at six years were 47% for operated cases and 53% for controls. At baseline cases had poorer health and vision related QoL, were less likely to undertake productive activities, more likely to receive assistance with activities and were poorer compared to controls (p<0.05). One year after surgery there were significant increases in HRQoL, participation and time spent in productive activities and per capita expenditure and reduction in assistance with activities so that the operated cases were similar to controls. These increases were still evident after six years with the exception that time spent on productive activities decreased among both cases and controls. Conclusion Cataract causing visual loss is associated with reduced HRQoL and economic poverty among older adults in low-income countries. Cataract surgery improves the HRQoL of the individual and economy of the household. The findings of this study suggest these benefits are sustained in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Danquah
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Kuper
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Liza Bowen
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Allen Foster
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Polack
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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de Silva SR, Riaz Y, Evans JR. Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens versus extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with posterior chamber intraocular lens for age-related cataract. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:CD008812. [PMID: 24474622 PMCID: PMC11056193 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008812.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Therefore, it is important to establish the most effective surgical technique for cataract surgery. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review is to examine the effects of two types of cataract surgery for age-related cataract: phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 4), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to May 2013), EMBASE (January 1980 to May 2013), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS) (January 1982 to May 2013), Web of Science Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (CPCI-S) (January 1970 to May 2013), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 13 May 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials of phacoemulsification compared to ECCE for age-related cataract. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently selected and assessed all studies. We defined two primary outcomes: 'good functional vision' (presenting visual acuity of 6/12 or better) and 'poor visual outcome' (best corrected visual acuity of less than 6/60) at three and 12 months after surgery. We also collected data on intra and postoperative complications, and the cost of the procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included 11 trials in this review with a total of 1228 participants, ranging from age 45 to 94. The studies were generally at unclear risk of bias due to poorly reported trial methods. No study reported presenting visual acuity, so we report both uncorrected (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Studies varied in visual acuity assessment methods and time frames at which outcomes were reported. Participants in the phacoemulsification group were more likely to achieve UCVA of 6/12 or more at three months (risk ratio (RR) 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36 to 2.41, two studies, 492 participants) and one year (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.73, one study, 439 participants). People in the phacoemulsification group were also more likely to achieve BCVA of 6/12 or more at three months (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.22, four studies, 645 participants) and one year (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.14, one study, 439 participants), but the difference between the two groups was smaller. No trials reported BCVA less than 6/60 but three trials reported BCVA worse than 6/9 and 6/18: there were fewer events of this outcome in the phacoemulsification group than the ECCE group at both the three-month (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.55, three studies, 604 participants) and 12-month time points (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.05, one study, 439 participants). Three trials reported posterior capsule rupture: this occurred more commonly in the ECCE group than the phacoemulsification group but small numbers of events mean the true effect is uncertain (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.56, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.22, three studies, 688 participants). Iris prolapse, cystoid macular oedema and posterior capsular opacification were also higher in the ECCE group than the phacoemulsification group. Phacoemulsification surgical costs were higher than ECCE in two studies. A third study reported similar costs for phacoemulsification and ECCE up to six weeks postoperatively, but following this time point ECCE incurred additional costs due to additional visits, spectacles and laser treatment to achieve a similar outcome. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Removing cataract by phacoemulsification may result in a better visual acuity compared to ECCE, with a lower complication rate. The review is currently underpowered to detect differences for rarer outcomes, including poor visual outcome. The lower cost of ECCE may justify its use in a patient population where high-volume surgery is a priority, however, there are a lack of data comparing phacoemulsification and ECCE in lower-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer R Evans
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineCochrane Eyes and Vision Group, ICEHKeppel StreetLondonUKWC1E 7HT
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du Toit R, Faal HB, Etya'ale D, Wiafe B, Mason I, Graham R, Bush S, Mathenge W, Courtright P. Evidence for integrating eye health into primary health care in Africa: a health systems strengthening approach. BMC Health Serv Res 2013; 13:102. [PMID: 23506686 PMCID: PMC3616885 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-13-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The impact of unmet eye care needs in sub-Saharan Africa is compounded by barriers to accessing eye care, limited engagement with communities, a shortage of appropriately skilled health personnel, and inadequate support from health systems. The renewed focus on primary health care has led to support for greater integration of eye health into national health systems. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate available evidence of integration of eye health into primary health care in sub-Saharan Africa from a health systems strengthening perspective. Methods A scoping review method was used to gather and assess information from published literature, reviews, WHO policy documents and examples of eye and health care interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings were compiled using a health systems strengthening framework. Results Limited information is available about eye health from a health systems strengthening approach. Particular components of the health systems framework lacking evidence are service delivery, equipment and supplies, financing, leadership and governance. There is some information to support interventions to strengthen human resources at all levels, partnerships and community participation; but little evidence showing their successful application to improve quality of care and access to comprehensive eye health services at the primary health level, and referral to other levels for specialist eye care. Conclusion Evidence of integration of eye health into primary health care is currently weak, particularly when applying a health systems framework. A realignment of eye health in the primary health care agenda will require context specific planning and a holistic approach, with careful attention to each of the health system components and to the public health system as a whole. Documentation and evaluation of existing projects are required, as are pilot projects of systematic approaches to interventions and application of best practices. Multi-national research may provide guidance about how to scale up eye health interventions that are integrated into primary health systems.
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Dean WH, Sherwin JC, Kumwenda S, Angeletti M, Wiehler U. Willingness to Pay for Cataract Surgery in Post-operative Cataract Patients in Rural Malawi. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2012; 19:265-71. [DOI: 10.3109/09286586.2012.708085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Finger RP, Kupitz DG, Fenwick E, Balasubramaniam B, Ramani RV, Holz FG, Gilbert CE. The impact of successful cataract surgery on quality of life, household income and social status in South India. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44268. [PMID: 22952945 PMCID: PMC3432104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To explore the hypothesis that sight restoring cataract surgery provided to impoverished rural communities will improve not only visual acuity and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) but also poverty and social status. Methods Participants were recruited at outreach camps in Tamil Nadu, South India, and underwent free routine manual small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with intra-ocular lens (IOL) implantation, and were followed up one year later. Poverty was measured as monthly household income, being engaged in income generating activities and number of working household members. Social status was measured as rates of re-marriage amongst widowed participants. VRQoL was measured using the IND-VFQ-33. Associations were explored using logistic regression (SPSS 19). Results Of the 294 participants, mean age ± standard deviation (SD) 60±8 years, 54% men, only 11% remained vision impaired at follow up (67% at baseline; p<0.001). At one year, more participants were engaged in income generating activities (44.7% to 77.7%; p<0.001) and the proportion of households with a monthly income <1000 Rps. decreased from 50.5% to 20.5% (p<0.05). Overall VRQoL improved (p<0.001). Participants who had successful cataract surgery were less likely to remain in the lower categories of monthly household income (OR 0.05–0.22; p<0.02) and more likely to be engaged in income earning activities one year after surgery (OR 3.28; p = 0.006). Participants widowed at baseline who had successful cataract surgery were less likely to remain widowed at one year (OR 0.02; p = 0.008). Conclusion These findings indicate the broad positive impact of sight restoring cataract surgery on the recipients’ as well as their families’ lives. Providing free high quality cataract surgery to marginalized rural communities will not only alleviate avoidable blindness but also - to some extent - poverty in the long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Finger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Cockburn N, Steven D, Lecuona K, Joubert F, Rogers G, Cook C, Polack S. Prevalence, causes and socio-economic determinants of vision loss in Cape Town, South Africa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30718. [PMID: 22363476 PMCID: PMC3282720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To estimate the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment in Cape Town, South Africa and to explore socio-economic and demographic predictors of vision loss in this setting. Methods A cross sectional population-based survey was conducted in Cape Town. Eighty-two clusters were selected using probability proportionate to size sampling. Within each cluster 35 or 40 people aged 50 years and above were selected using compact segment sampling. Visual acuity of participants was assessed and eyes with a visual acuity less than 6/18 were examined by an ophthalmologist to determine the cause of vision loss. Demographic data (age, gender and education) were collected and a socio-economic status (SES) index was created using principal components analysis. Results Out of 3100 eligible people, 2750 (89%) were examined. The sample prevalence of bilateral blindness (presenting visual acuity <3/60) was 1.4% (95% CI 0.9–1.8). Posterior segment diseases accounted for 65% of blindness and cataract was responsible for 27%. The prevalence of vision loss was highest among people over 80 years (odds ratio (OR) 6.9 95% CI 4.6–10.6), those in the poorest SES group (OR 3.9 95% CI 2.2–6.7) and people with no formal education (OR 5.4 95% CI 1.7–16.6). Cataract surgical coverage was 68% in the poorest SES tertile (68%) compared to 93% in the medium and 100% in the highest tertile. Conclusions The prevalence of blindness among people ≥50 years in Cape Town was lower than expected and the contribution of posterior segment diseases higher than previously reported in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa. There were clear socio-economic disparities in prevalence of vision loss and cataract surgical coverage in this setting which need to be addressed in blindness prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Cockburn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Shah SP, Gilbert CE, Gilbert CE, Razavi H, Turner EL, Lindfield RJ. Preoperative visual acuity among cataract surgery patients and countries' state of development: a global study. Bull World Health Organ 2011; 89:749-56. [PMID: 22084513 DOI: 10.2471/blt.10.080366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Revised: 07/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the preoperative surgical case mix among patients undergoing cataract extraction and explore associations between case mix, country level of development (as measured by the Human Development Index, HDI) and cataract surgery rates (CSRs). METHODS Ophthalmologists in 50 countries were invited to join the newly-established International Eye Research Network and asked to complete a web-based questionnaire about their eye hospitals. Those who complied received a data collection form for recording demographic and clinical data on 100 consecutive patients about to undergo cataract surgery. Countries were ranked into five HDI categories and multivariable regression was used to explore associations. FINDINGS Ophthalmologists at 112 eye hospitals (54% of them nongovernmental) in 50 countries provided data on 11,048 cataract procedures over 9 months in 2008. Patients whose visual acuity (VA) before surgery was < 6/60 in the better eye comprised 47% of the total case mix in poorly developed countries and 1% in developed countries (P < 0.001). Overall, 72% of the eyes undergoing surgery had a VA < 6/60. Very low VA before cataract surgery was strongly associated with poor development at the country level and inversely associated with national CSR. CONCLUSION The proportion of patients with very poor preoperative VA is a simple indicator that can be easily measured periodically to monitor progress in ophthalmological services. Additionally, the internet can be an effective tool for developing and supporting an ophthalmological research network capable of providing a global snapshot of service activity, particularly in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaheen P Shah
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E, England.
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Riaz Y, Malik ANJ, Evans JR. Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens versus manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) with posterior chamber intraocular lens for age-related cataract. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Riaz Y, Malik ANJ, Evans JR. Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens versus extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with posterior chamber intraocular lens for age-related cataract. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Kuper H, Polack S, Mathenge W, Eusebio C, Wadud Z, Rashid M, Foster A. Does cataract surgery alleviate poverty? Evidence from a multi-centre intervention study conducted in Kenya, the Philippines and Bangladesh. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15431. [PMID: 21085697 PMCID: PMC2976760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poverty and blindness are believed to be intimately linked, but empirical data supporting this purported relationship are sparse. The objective of this study is to assess whether there is a reduction in poverty after cataract surgery among visually impaired cases. Methodology/Principal Findings A multi-centre intervention study was conducted in three countries (Kenya, Philippines, Bangladesh). Poverty data (household per capita expenditure – PCE, asset ownership and self-rated wealth) were collected from cases aged ≥50 years who were visually impaired due to cataract (visual acuity<6/24 in the better eye) and age-sex matched controls with normal vision. Cases were offered free/subsidised cataract surgery. Approximately one year later participants were re-interviewed about poverty. 466 cases and 436 controls were examined at both baseline and follow-up (Follow up rate: 78% for cases, 81% for controls), of which 263 cases had undergone cataract surgery (“operated cases”). At baseline, operated cases were poorer compared to controls in terms of PCE (Kenya: $22 versus £35 p = 0.02, Bangladesh: $16 vs $24 p = 0.004, Philippines: $24 vs 32 p = 0.0007), assets and self-rated wealth. By follow-up PCE had increased significantly among operated cases in each of the three settings to the level of controls (Kenya: $30 versus £36 p = 0.49, Bangladesh: $23 vs $23 p = 0.20, Philippines: $45 vs $36 p = 0.68). There were smaller increases in self-rated wealth and no changes in assets. Changes in PCE were apparent in different socio-demographic and ocular groups. The largest PCE increases were apparent among the cases that were poorest at baseline. Conclusions/Significance This study showed that cataract surgery can contribute to poverty alleviation, particularly among the most vulnerable members of society. This study highlights the need for increased provision of cataract surgery to poor people and shows that a focus on blindness may help to alleviate poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kuper
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
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