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Umaefulam V, Safi S, Lingham G, Gordon I, Mueller A, Krishnam NS, Alves Carneiro VL, Yu M, Evans JR, Keel S. Approaches for delivery of refractive and optical care services in community and primary care settings. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 5:CD016043. [PMID: 38808577 PMCID: PMC11134311 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd016043] [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] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncorrected refractive error is a leading cause of vision impairment which, in most cases, can be managed with the appropriate spectacle correction. In 2021, the World Health Assembly endorsed a global target of a 40-percentage-point increase in effective coverage of refractive error by 2030. To achieve this global target, equitable access to refractive and optical services within community and primary care settings needs to be strengthened. This review will inform the development of technical guidance to support improvements in the testing and correction of refractive error among World Health Organization (WHO) member states. OBJECTIVES To determine the range of approaches for delivery of refractive and optical care services in community and primary care settings, and the methods employed for their evaluation. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health databases, grey literature, and annual reports and websites of relevant organizations involved in eye-care delivery from January 2002 to November 2022 to identify approaches for refractive and optical service delivery. SELECTION CRITERIA We included observational and interventional studies, reviews, and reports from relevant organizations related to delivering refractive services and optical services for preschool and school-aged children and adults in community and primary care settings published between January 2002 and November 2022. We searched for studies and reports published within the last 20 years because vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error has only recently become a public health and eye health priority, therefore we did not expect to find much relevant literature until after 2002. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors screened titles, abstracts and full texts, and extracted data. We resolved any discrepancies through discussion. We synthesized data, and presented results as tables, figures, and case studies. This project was led by the World Health Organization (WHO) Vision and Eye Care Programme. MAIN RESULTS We identified 175 studies from searches of databases and grey literature, 146 records from company reports, and 81 records from website searches of relevant organizations that matched our inclusion criteria. Delivery approaches for refractive and optical services in community care included school-based, pharmacy, and outreach models, whereas primary care approaches comprised vision centre, health centre, and a combination of vision or health centre and door-to-door delivery. In community care, school-based and outreach approaches were predominant, while in primary care, a vision-centre approach was mainly used. In the WHO African region, the school-based and outreach approaches were mainly reported while, in the Americas, the outreach approach was mostly used. Very few approaches for service delivery were reported in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region. Prominent gaps exist in the evaluation of the approaches, and few studies attempted to evaluate the approaches for delivery of refractive and optical care services. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We comprehensively describe a range of approaches for delivery of refractive and optical services in community and primary care. Further evaluation of their effectiveness will better inform the application of these service-delivery approaches. The study outcomes will help guide WHO member states in strengthening refractive and optical services at community and primary care levels. FUNDING This scoping review was supported by the Vision and Eye care Programme, World Health Organization and ATscale Global Partnership. REGISTRATION The protocol of this scoping review was published in the Open Source Framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Umaefulam
- Vision and Eye Care Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sare Safi
- Ophthalmic Epidemiology Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gareth Lingham
- Centre for Eye Research Ireland, Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Iris Gordon
- International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andreas Mueller
- Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Vera L Alves Carneiro
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mitasha Yu
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer R Evans
- International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Stuart Keel
- Vision and Eye Care Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Yelagondula VK, Marmamula S, Banerjee S, Khanna RC. Near vision impairment and effective refractive error coverage for near vision in Andhra Pradesh, India - The Akividu Visual Impairment Study (AVIS). Clin Exp Optom 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38616051 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2024.2333769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
CLINICAL RELEVANCE Near Vision Impairment (NVI) is common in developing countries. A substantial proportion of NVI can be addressed by providing spectacles. Innovative eye care programmes are needed to address NVI. Population-based epidemiological studies can provide vital data to plan such eye care service delivery models. BACKGROUND To report the prevalence of NVI and effective Refractive Error Coverage (eREC) for near vision in West Godavari and Krishna districts in Andhra Pradesh, south India. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out using a Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment methodology. Presenting and pinhole distance visual acuity were assessed followed by near vision assessment using a N notation chart at a fixed distance of 40 cm. If the presenting near vision was worse than N8, the best corrected near visual acuity was recorded with age appropriate near vision correction. NVI was defined as presenting near vision worse than N8 among those without distance vision impairment (6/18 or better in the better eye). Effective Refractive Error Coverage for near was calculated as the proportion of individuals with an adequate correction to the total participants, including those with inadequate, adequate, and no correction for near vision. RESULTS Data of 2,228 participants aged ≥40 years were analysed. The mean age of these participants was 54.0 ± 10.4 years; 53.8% were women; 44.5% had no formal education. The prevalence of NVI was 27.1% (95% CI: 25.2-29.0%). NVI significantly associated with 70 and above age group (adjusted OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.45-3.70). Participants with formal education had lower odds for NVI (adjusted OR: 0.75; 95 % CI: 0.68-0.83). The eREC for near vision was 48.0%. CONCLUSION NVI affects over a quarter of people aged ≥40 years in the West Godavari and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh. However, eREC is under 50% and there is scope for improving this by establishing eye care services to achieve universal eye health for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar Yelagondula
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Srinivas Marmamula
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Saptak Banerjee
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rohit C Khanna
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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Marmamula S, Bhoopalan D, Kumbham TR, Yelagondula VK, Keeffe J. Prevalence, pattern, and compliance with spectacles use among the elderly in homes for the aged in South India: The Hyderabad Ocular Morbidity in Elderly Study (HOMES). Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:263-267. [PMID: 36588247 PMCID: PMC10155529 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_884_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study was conducted to report on the pattern of spectacles use and compliance among the elderly (aged ≥60 years) in homes for the aged in Hyderabad region in Telangana State, India. Methods Participants were recruited from 41 homes for the aged centres for comprehensive eye health assessments. A questionnaire was used to collect information on current and past use of spectacles, type of spectacles, spectacles provider and amount paid for the spectacles. For those that reported using spectacles in the past, information was collected on the reasons for their discontinuation. Compliance with spectacles use was assessed after eight months of provision of the spectacles. Results A total of 1182/1513 participants were examined from 41 homes for the aged in Hyderabad, India. The mean age of the participants examined was 75 years (standard deviation (SD): 8.8 years; range: 60-108 years); 764 (64.6%) of them were women and 240 participants (20.3%) had no formal education. The prevalence of spectacles use was 69.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 67.1-72.4; n = 825). Bifocals were the most commonly used type of spectacles (86.7%) followed by single vision glasses for distance vision (7.4%). Private eye clinics were the largest service provider (85.5%) followed by local optical outlets (6.9%) and other service providers (7.7%). The prevalence of spectacles compliance was 81.5% (211/259). Conclusion Use of spectacles and compliance are high among the elderly living in residential care homes in the Hyderabad region. Spectacles use can be further improved by periodic eye assessments along the lines similar to school eye programs, which can immensely benefit this vulnerable, aged population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Marmamula
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Dharani Bhoopalan
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Thirupathi R Kumbham
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Yelagondula
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Jill Keeffe
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Wolffsohn JS, Davies LN, Sheppard AL. New insights in presbyopia: impact of correction strategies. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2023. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2022-001122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Presbyopia occurs when the physiologically normal age-related reduction in the eyes focusing range reaches a point, when optimally corrected for distance vision, that the clarity of vision at near is insufficient to satisfy an individual’s requirements. Hence, it is more about the impact it has on an individual’s visual ability to function in their environment to maintain their lifestyle than a measured loss of focusing ability. Presbyopia has a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and emotional state. While a range of amelioration strategies exist, they are often difficult to access in the developing world and prescribing is generally not optimal even in developed countries. This review identified the need for a standardised definition of presbyopia to be adopted. An appropriate battery of tests should be applied in evaluating presbyopic management options and the results of clinical trials should be published (even if unsuccessful) to accelerate the provision of better outcomes for presbyopes.
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Danemayer J, Boggs D, Delgado Ramos V, Smith E, Kular A, Bhot W, Ramos-Barajas F, Polack S, Holloway C. Estimating need and coverage for five priority assistive products: a systematic review of global population-based research. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007662. [PMID: 35101862 PMCID: PMC8804659 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To improve access to assistive products (APs) globally, data must be available to inform evidence-based decision-making, policy development and evaluation, and market-shaping interventions. METHODS This systematic review was undertaken to identify studies presenting population-based estimates of need and coverage for five APs (hearing aids, limb prostheses, wheelchairs, glasses and personal digital assistants) grouped by four functional domains (hearing, mobility, vision and cognition). RESULTS Data including 656 AP access indicators were extracted from 207 studies, most of which (n=199, 96%) were cross-sectional, either collecting primary (n=167) or using secondary (n=32) data. There was considerable heterogeneity in assessment approaches used and how AP indicators were reported; over half (n=110) used a combination of clinical and self-reported assessment data. Of 35 studies reporting AP use out of all people with functional difficulty in the corresponding functional domains, the proportions ranged from 4.5% to 47.0% for hearing aids, from 0.9% to 17.6% for mobility devices, and from 0.1% to 86.6% for near and distance glasses. Studies reporting AP need indicators demonstrated >60% unmet need for each of the five APs in most settings. CONCLUSION Variation in definitions of indicators of AP access have likely led to overestimates/underestimates of need and coverage, particularly, where the relationship between functioning difficulty and the need for an AP is complex. This review demonstrates high unmet need for APs globally, due in part to disparate data across this sector, and emphasises the need to standardise AP data collection and reporting strategies to provide a comparable evidence base to improve access to APs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Danemayer
- Department of Computer Science, Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dorothy Boggs
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Emma Smith
- Department of Psychology, Assisted Living and Learning Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Ariana Kular
- Department of Health Sciences, Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | - William Bhot
- Department of Computer Science, Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London, London, UK
| | - Felipe Ramos-Barajas
- Department of Computer Science, Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Polack
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Cathy Holloway
- Department of Computer Science, Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London, London, UK
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Lin H, Sun J, Congdon N, Xu M, Liu S, Liang Y, Wang H, Zhang S. Improving Access to Refractive Services in Adults: A Health Examination Center-Based Model. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:753257. [PMID: 34778316 PMCID: PMC8581195 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.753257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the potential of a health examination center-based screening model in improving service for uncorrected refractive error. Methods: Individuals aged ≥18 years undergoing the routine physical examinations at a tertiary hospital in the northeast China were invited. Presenting visual acuity, noncycloplegic autorefraction, noncontact tonometry, fundus photography, and slit-lamp examination were performed. Refractive error was defined as having spherical equivalent ≤ -0.75 D or ≥ +1 D and uncorrected refractive error was considered as refractive error combined with presenting visual acuity < 6/12 in the better eye. Costs for the screening were assessed. Results: A total of 5,284 participants (61 ± 14 years) were included. The overall prevalence of myopia and hyperopia was 38.7% (95% CI, 37.4-40.0%) and 23.5% (95% CI, 22.3-24.6%), respectively. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error was 7.85% (95% CI, 7.13-8.58%). Women (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003), those with age ≥ 70 years (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003), and myopia (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) were at higher risk of uncorrected refractive error and uncorrected refractive error-related visual impairment. Spectacle coverage rate was 70.6% (95% CI, 68.2-73.0%). The cost to identify a single case of refractive error and uncorrected refractive error was US$3.2 and US$25.2, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error is high in the urban Chinese adults. Health examination center-based refractive error screening is able to provide an efficient and low-cost model to improve the refractive services in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haishuang Lin
- Department of Glaucoma, Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Zhejiang, China.,Glaucoma Research Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Shenyang Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Peoples' Hospital of Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Nathan Congdon
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiping Xu
- Department of Glaucoma, Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Shenyang Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Peoples' Hospital of Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuanbo Liang
- Department of Glaucoma, Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Zhejiang, China.,Glaucoma Research Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hailin Wang
- Shenyang Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Peoples' Hospital of Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shaodan Zhang
- Department of Glaucoma, Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Zhejiang, China.,Glaucoma Research Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,Shenyang Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Peoples' Hospital of Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Marmamula S, Banerjee S, Yelagondula VK, Khanna RC, Challa R, Yellapragada R, Keeffe J. Population-based assessment of prevalence of spectacle use and effective spectacle coverage for distance vision in Andhra Pradesh, India - Akividu Visual Impairment Study. Clin Exp Optom 2021; 105:320-325. [PMID: 34132172 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1916386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CLINICAL RELEVANCE Effective spectacle coverage is a useful indicator to assess the coverage of refraction services in a given region. We found a low coverage in the Akividu region suggesting a need to develop effective refraction services. BACKGROUND To assess the prevalence of spectacle use and effective spectacle coverage for distance vision among people aged 40 years and older in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Akividu region in West Godavari and Krishna districts. The study teams visited selected households and conducted eye examinations in the selected clusters. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on spectacle use. 'Met Need' was defined as unaided VA worse than 6/12 but improved to 6/12 or better with their current spectacles. 'Unmet Need' was defined as unaided VA worse than 6/12 but improved to 6/12 with pinhole, among those not using spectacles. The 'Under-met Need' was defined as aided VA worse than 6/12 but improving with pinhole to 6/12 or better. Based on these definitions, Effective Refractive Error Coverage (e-REC) is calculated as: e-REC (%) s = ((met need)/(met need + under-met need + unmet need)) X100. RESULTS Of 3,000 enumerated from 60 clusters, 2,587 (86.2%) participants were examined. The prevalence of current spectacle use was 43.1% (95% CI:41.2-45.0). The e-REC was 37.4%. It was also lower in men compared to women and among those without any education. Participants who had cataract surgery in either eye had similar e-REC compared to those who were not operated. CONCLUSION Though spectacle use was found to be high, there is a still large unmet need for refractive correction for distance. Effective service delivery models to provide refraction and spectacle dispensing services are needed to achieve universal eye health coverage in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Marmamula
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye Care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Saptak Banerjee
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye Care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Yelagondula
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rohit C Khanna
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rajesh Challa
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye Care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Ratnakar Yellapragada
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye Care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jill Keeffe
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye Care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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Marmamula S, Barrenkala NR, Challa R, Kumbam TR, Modepalli SB, Yellapragada R, Bhakki M, Khanna RC, Friedman DS. Uncorrected refractive errors for distance among the residents in 'homes for the aged' in South India-The Hyderabad Ocular Morbidity in Elderly Study (HOMES). Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2020; 40:343-349. [PMID: 32207179 PMCID: PMC7277039 DOI: 10.1111/opo.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Uncorrected Refractive Errors (URE) for distance in elderly residents in 'homes for the aged' in Hyderabad, India. METHODS Individuals aged ≥60 years and residing in 'homes for the aged' in Hyderabad, India for a minimum of 1 month and providing consent for participation were recruited. All participants underwent visual acuity assessment, refraction, slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, fundus examination, and retinal imaging. Monocular presenting visual acuity was recorded using a logMAR chart. Objective and subjective refraction were performed, and best-corrected visual acuity was recorded. URE was defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/12 but improving to 6/12 or better with refraction. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the risk factors associated with URE. RESULTS In total, 1 513 elderly participants were enumerated from 41 homes of which 1 182 participants (78.1%) were examined. The mean age of participants was 75.0 years (standard deviation 8.8 years; range: 60-108 years). 35.4% of those examined were men and 20.3% had no formal education. The prevalence of URE was 13.5% (95% CI: 11.5-15.5; n = 159). On applying multiple logistic regression analysis, compared to those living in private homes, the odds of URE were significantly higher among the elderly living in the aided homes (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.11-2.43) and free homes (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.00-2.80). As compared to those who reported having an eye examination in the last 3 years, the odds of URE were higher among those who never had an eye examination in the last three years (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.07-2.14). Similarly, those who had unilateral cataract surgery (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.10-2.93) or bilateral cataract surgery (1.69; 95% CI: 1.10-2.56) had higher odds of URE compared to those elderly who were not operated for cataract. Gender, self-report of diabetes, and education were not associated with URE. CONCLUSIONS A large burden of URE was found among the residents in the 'homes for the aged' in Hyderabad, India which could be addressed with a pair of glasses. Over 40% of the residents never had an eye examination in the last three years, which indicates poor utilisation of eye care services by the elderly. Regular eye examinations and provision of spectacles are needed to address needless URE for distance among the elderly in residential care in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Marmamula
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research CentreGullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye careL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision ScienceL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
- Wellcome Trust/Department of Biotechnology India AllianceL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- Department of OphthalmologyMassachusetts Eye and EarHarvard Medical SchoolBostonUSA
| | - Navya Rekha Barrenkala
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research CentreGullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye careL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision ScienceL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
| | - Rajesh Challa
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research CentreGullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye careL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision ScienceL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
| | - Thirupathi Reddy Kumbam
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research CentreGullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye careL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision ScienceL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
| | - Satya Brahmanandam Modepalli
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research CentreGullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye careL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision ScienceL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
| | - Ratnakar Yellapragada
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research CentreGullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye careL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision ScienceL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
| | - Madhuri Bhakki
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research CentreGullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye careL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision ScienceL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
| | - Rohit C Khanna
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research CentreGullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye careL V Prasad Eye InstituteHyderabadIndia
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - David S Friedman
- Department of OphthalmologyMassachusetts Eye and EarHarvard Medical SchoolBostonUSA
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Malhotra S, Kalaivani M, Rath R, Prasad M, Vashist P, Gupta N, Senjam SS, Gupta SK. Use of spectacles for distance vision: coverage, unmet needs and barriers in a rural area of North India. BMC Ophthalmol 2019; 19:252. [PMID: 31830950 PMCID: PMC6909564 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-019-1262-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uncorrected refractive errors contribute enormously to the burden of avoidable visual impairment worldwide. There is a huge disparity in different parts of the globe in context to spectacle coverage for distance vision. This study was undertaken with objectives of determining prevalence of spectacle coverage, unmet needs and associated factors among adults in a rural community of north India. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out within selected clusters of Jhajjar district of Haryana. All participants aged > 15 years underwent visual acuity assessment by LogMAR “E” screening chart. Participants with presenting visual acuity < 6/12 in any eye and all current spectacle users underwent detailed ophthalmic examination and refraction. Additional details about spectacles, barriers for their use and willingness to pay for them were collected. Participants with met and unmet need for spectacle use at visual acuity > 6/12 was computed. These are reported as proportions with 95% confidence intervals. Associated factors with unmet need were determined using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 6910 participants were examined. The current spectacle use was 7.5% (95% Confidence Interval CI: 6.5, 8.7). The spectacle coverage was found in 33.3% (95% CI: 30.0, 36.7) participants among those in need. The unmet need was found in 10.8% of participants (95% CI: 10.1, 11.6). On multivariable analysis, odds of unmet need was associated with age, gender, level of education and marriage status. The most common barrier for refractive correction was lack of perceived need for refraction and its correction. Conclusion There is substantial unmet need for distance vision spectacles in this population. It is imperative that multi-component intervention be implemented to improve spectacle coverage in this rural north Indian setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Malhotra
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Mani Kalaivani
- Department of Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramashankar Rath
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manya Prasad
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Vashist
- Community Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Noopur Gupta
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Suraj Singh Senjam
- Community Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Gupta
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Marmamula S, Challa R, Yellapragada S, Mohd J, Khanna RC. Temporal trends in the prevalence of spectacle use and spectacle coverage in India. Clin Exp Optom 2019; 103:693-698. [PMID: 31828848 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.13025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to assess the temporal trends in the prevalence of spectacle use and spectacle coverage for refractive errors in population-based studies conducted during 2011-2012 and 2017 among those aged ≥ 40 years in the state of Telangana, India. An intervention in the form of 10 vision centres and a secondary centre was established in one district (Khammam) after the 2011-2012 study and another district (Warangal) was left to secular trends. METHODS In both the studies, multi-stage cluster random sampling methodology was used to select the participants. In addition to a clinical examination, a questionnaire was used for collecting information on current and previous use of spectacles, type of spectacles and details of the spectacle providers. The same questionnaire was used in both the studies. RESULTS In total, 2,485 participants were examined in the 2011-2012 study and 2,711 participants were examined in the 2017 study in Khammam. Similarly, 2,438 and 2,646 participants were examined in Warangal in the two studies, respectively. In Khammam, the age and gender-adjusted prevalence of current spectacle use increased from 30.0 per cent (95% CI 28.2-31.9) to 34.8 per cent (95% CI 33.0-36.6) in the 2011-2012 and 2017 studies, respectively (p < 0.01). However, in the Warangal district, the age and gender-adjusted prevalence of current spectacle use declined from 32.8 per cent (95% CI 31.0-34.7) to 27.6 per cent (95% CI 25.9-29.3) during the 2011-2012 and 2017 studies, respectively (p < 0.01). In Khammam, the spectacle coverage increased from 26.9 per cent to 35.6 per cent, but it declined from 43.8 per cent to 35.7 per cent in Warangal between the studies in 2011-2012 and 2017. CONCLUSIONS An increase in spectacle use and coverage was observed in Khammam where the secondary centre and vision centres were established, compared to Warangal where there was no such intervention. The results suggest a positive impact of the intervention in the Khammam district and suggest replication of the model to address the burden of uncorrected refractive errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Marmamula
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Fellow, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rajesh Challa
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Shashank Yellapragada
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Javed Mohd
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, 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, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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