1
|
Harvey AA, Morjaria P, Tousignant B. Priorities in school eye health in low and middle-income countries a scoping review. Eye (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41433-024-03032-1. [PMID: 38565599 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
School eye health (SEH) has been on the global agenda for many years, and there is mounting evidence available to support that school-based visual screenings are one of the most effective and cost-efficient interventions to reach children over five years old. A scoping review was conducted in MEDLINE, Web of Science, PubMed, and CINHAL between February and June 2023 to identify current priorities in recent literature on school eye health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Selection of relevant publications was performed with Covidence, and the main findings were classified according to the WHO Health Promoting Schools framework (HPS). A total of 95 articles were included: cross-sectional studies (n = 55), randomised controlled trials (n = 7), qualitative research (n = 7) and others. Results demonstrate that multi-level action is required to implement sustainable and integrated school eye health programmes in low and middle-income countries. The main priorities identified in this review are: standardised and rigorous protocols; cost-effective workforce; provision of suitable spectacles; compliance to spectacle wear; efficient health promotion interventions; parents and community engagement; integration of programmes in school health; inter-sectoral, government-owned programmes with long-term financing schemes. Even though many challenges remain, the continuous production of quality data such as the ones presented in this review will help governments and other stakeholders to build evidence-based, comprehensive, integrated, and context-adapted programmes and deliver quality eye care services to children all over the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex-Anne Harvey
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Priya Morjaria
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Peek Vision, Berkhamsted, UK
| | - Benoit Tousignant
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Objective: Optometrists are increasingly adopting teleoptometry as an approach to delivering eye care. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created further opportunities for optometrists to utilize innovation in telehealth to deliver eye care to individuals who experience access barriers. A systematic literature review is presented detailing the evidence to support the use of teleoptometry. Methods: Databases of MEDLINE, Global Health, and Web of Science were searched, and articles were included if they reported any involvement of optometrists in the delivery of telehealth. Findings were reported according to the mode of telehealth used to deliver eye care, telehealth collaboration type, and the format and geographical areas where eye care via telehealth is being delivered. Results: Twenty-seven relevant studies were identified. Only 11 studies included the role of optometrists as a member of the telehealth team where the scope of practice extended beyond creating and receiving referrals, collecting clinical data at in-person services, and continuing in-person care following consultation with an ophthalmologist. Both synchronous and asynchronous telehealth services were commonly utilized. Optometrists were most commonly involved in ophthalmology-led telehealth collaborations (n = 19). Eight studies reported optometrists independently delivering primary eye care via telehealth, and commonly included videoconferencing. Conclusion: The application of teleoptometry to deliver eye care is rapidly emerging, and appears to be a viable adjunct to the delivery of in-person optometry services. The review highlighted the scarcity of evidence surrounding the clinical benefits, safety, and outcomes of teleoptometry. Further research is required in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Massie
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Address correspondence to: Jessica Massie, BVisSci/MOptom, MScPHEC, International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Priya Morjaria
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Morjaria P, Massie J, Bastawrous A. A School Eye Health Rapid Assessment (SEHRA) planning tool: Module to survey the magnitude and nature of local needs. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1665. [PMID: 36056322 PMCID: PMC9437397 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Eye conditions in children can have negative consequences on visual functioning and quality of life. There is a lack of data on the magnitude of children with eye conditions who need services for effective planning of school eye health programmes. To address this, the School Eye Health Rapid Assessment (SEHRA) tool is being developed to collect data to support school eye health programme planning. Methods The module, ‘the magnitude and nature of local needs in school children’ is the first of six modules in the SEHRA tool. The module outlines a school-based cluster survey designed to determine the magnitude of eye health needs in children. This paper outlines the survey sampling strategy, and sample size calculations. Results The requirements for the SEHRA survey indicate that in regions where a larger sample size is required, or where fewer schools are recruited to the survey, confidence in the accuracy of the data will be lower. Conclusions The SEHRA survey module ‘the magnitude and nature of local needs in school children’ can be applied in any context. In certain circumstances, the confidence in the survey data will be reduced. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13927-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. .,Peek Vision, London, UK.
| | - Jessica Massie
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Peek Vision, London, UK
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Peek Vision, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Asare FA, Morjaria P. Eligibility for the use of ready-made spectacles among children in a school-based programme in Ghana. PLOS Glob Public Health 2022; 2:e0000079. [PMID: 36962112 PMCID: PMC10021990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Ready-made spectacles are low-cost spectacles for correcting refractive errors in children who would otherwise have their refractive errors uncorrected due to lack of availability and affordability of conventional, expensive custom-made spectacles. Thus, this study seeks to estimate the proportion of children with uncorrected refractive errors eligible for ready-made spectacles in a school-based programme. A school-based descriptive cross-sectional study was employed to screen children aged 12-15 years in eighteen public junior high schools within the Bongo district of Ghana. Children who failed the 6/9 acuity test were refracted and given spectacles. Ready-made spectacle was prescribed when visual acuity improved by ≥2 lines in at least one eye with full correction (astigmatism of ≤0.75D); spherical equivalent corrected visual acuity to ≤1 line worse than best corrected visual acuity with full correction in the better eye; and there was ≤1.00D difference between the two eyes. A total of 1,705 school children were examined. Of this number, 30 (1.8%; 95% CI: 1.2-2.5%) met the criteria for refractive correction but none had any. Twenty-six (86.7%; 95% CI: 69.7-95.3%) were found to be eligible for ready-made spectacles (power range: -1.50D to +1.00D, mean spherical equivalent ± SD = -0.27D ± 0.79D) while 4 (13.3%; 95% CI: 4.7-30.3%) were not, hence, given custom-made spectacles. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of being eligible for one type of spectacles was similar between males and females (OR: 1.1; 95% CI: 0.1-12.7; p = 0.93). A large proportion of students who met the criteria for spectacle correction could be corrected with ready-made spectacles. There is, therefore, the need for these spectacles to be considered an appropriate alternative for refractive error correction during school eye health programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Afum Asare
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mavi S, Chan VF, Virgili G, Biagini I, Congdon N, Piyasena P, Yong AC, Ciner EB, Kulp MT, Candy TR, Collins M, Bastawrous A, Morjaria P, Watts E, Masiwa LE, Kumora C, Moore B, Little JA. The Impact of Hyperopia on Academic Performance Among Children: A Systematic Review. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:36-51. [PMID: 35066525 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the impact of uncorrected hyperopia and hyperopic spectacle correction on children's academic performance. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We searched 9 electronic databases from inception to July 26, 2021, for studies assessing associations between hyperopia and academic performance. There were no restrictions on language, publication date, or geographic location. A quality checklist was applied. Random-effects models estimated pooled effect size as a standardized mean difference (SMD) in 4 outcome domains: cognitive skills, educational performance, reading skills, and reading speed. (PROSPERO registration: CRD-42021268972). RESULTS Twenty-five studies (21 observational and 4 interventional) out of 3415 met the inclusion criteria. No full-scale randomized trials were identified. Meta-analyses of the 5 studies revealed a small but significant adverse effect on educational performance in uncorrected hyperopic compared to emmetropic children {SMD -0.18 [95% confidence interval (CI), -0.27 to -0.09]; P < 0.001, 4 studies} and a moderate negative effect on reading skills in uncorrected hyperopic compared to emmetropic children [SMD -0.46 (95% CI, -0.90 to -0.03); P = 0.036, 3 studies]. Reading skills were significantly worse in hyperopic than myopic children [SMD -0.29 (95% CI, -0.43 to -0.15); P < 0.001, 1 study]. Qualitative analysis on 10 (52.6%) of 19 studies excluded from meta-analysis found a significant (P < 0.05) association between uncorrected hyperopia and impaired academic performance. Two interventional studies found hyperopic spectacle correction significantly improved reading speed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Evidence indicates that uncorrected hyperopia is associated with poor academic performance. Given the limitations of current methodologies, further research is needed to evaluate the impact on academic performance of providing hyperopic correction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Mavi
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ving Fai Chan
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Gianni Virgili
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Biagini
- Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Nathan Congdon
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Orbis International, New York, NY, US
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Prabhath Piyasena
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ai Chee Yong
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Elise B Ciner
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University, Elkins Park, PA, US
| | | | - T Rowan Candy
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, US
| | - Megan Collins
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Peek Vision, London, UK
| | - Priya Morjaria
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Peek Vision, London, UK
| | - Elanor Watts
- Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lynett Erita Masiwa
- Optometry Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Bruce Moore
- New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA, US
| | - Julie-Anne Little
- Centre for Optometry and Vision Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shukla K, Sapkota YD, Das AV, Morjaria P. Communication technology for eye care. Community Eye Health 2022; 35:1-2. [PMID: 36035108 PMCID: PMC9412084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Priya Morjaria
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Peek Vision
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Habtamu E, Morjaria P, Gilbert S. Small-scale eye care research: why and how to do it. Community Eye Health 2022; 35:10-12. [PMID: 37007831 PMCID: PMC10061252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Esmael Habtamu
- Assistant Professor in Eye Health: International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK and Chief Executive Director: Eyu-Ethiopia Eye Health Research, Training and Service Centre, Bahirdar, Ethiopia
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Assistant Professor and Public Health Optometrist: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Head of Global Programme Design: Peek Vision, UK
| | - Suzanne Gilbert
- Senior Director, Research & Strategic Opportunities Seva Foundation, Berkeley, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Massie J, Morjaria P. Using technology to improve access to optometric services. Community Eye Health 2022; 35:12. [PMID: 36035102 PMCID: PMC9412093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Massie
- Freelance Global Eye Health Consultant and Public Health Optometrist, Australia
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Assistant Professor and Public Health Optometrist: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Head of Global Programme Design: Peek Vision, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Morjaria P, Bergson S, Bastawrous A, Watts E, Pant S, Gudwin E, Zinn M, Chan VF. Delivering Refractive Care to Populations With Near and Distance Vision Impairment: 2 Novel Social Enterprise Models. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:59-65. [PMID: 35114685 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Vision impairment due to refractive error affects crucial time periods across the life course-the educational years for children and working years for adults. Refractive error is easily and safely corrected with glasses, but many potential beneficiaries remain uncorrected due to various barriers, which can be addressed with innovative service delivery models. This review describes evidence-based initiatives from 2 social enterprises, Peek Vision and VisionSpring, addressing barriers to refractive error correction in children and working adults, particularly in low-resource settings. The reach, implementation challenges, adoption, and future development of these 2 novel models are described, and research evidence of program effectiveness is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Peek Vision, UK
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Andrew Bastawrous
- Peek Vision, UK
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elanor Watts
- Peek Vision, UK
- Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ving Fai Chan
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- College of Health Sciences, University KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Holloway C, Morgado Ramirez DZ, Bhatnagar T, Oldfrey B, Morjaria P, Moulic SG, Ebuenyi ID, Barbareschi G, Meeks F, Massie J, Ramos-Barajas F, McVeigh J, Keane K, Torrens G, Rao PVM, MacLachlan M, Austin V, Kattel R, Metcalf CD, Sujatha S. A review of innovation strategies and processes to improve access to AT: Looking ahead to open innovation ecosystems. Assist Technol 2021; 33:68-86. [PMID: 34951825 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2021.1970653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is essential to understand the strategies and processes which are deployed currently across the Assistive Technology (AT) space toward measuring innovation. The main aim of this paper is to identify functional innovation strategies and processes which are being or can be deployed in the AT space to increase access to AT globally. We conducted a scoping review of innovation strategies and processes in peer-reviewed literature databases and complemented this by identifying case studies demonstrating innovation strategies. The review includes WHO world region, publication year, AT type and a sector analysis against the Systems-Market for Assistive and Related Technologies Framework. We analyzed the case studies and interviews using thematic analysis. We included 91 papers out of 3,127 after review along with 72 case studies. Our results showed that product innovations were more prevalent than provision or supply innovations across papers and case studies. Case studies yielded two themes: open innovation (OI); radical and disruptive innovation. Financial instruments which encourage OI are needed and we recommend pursuing OI for AT innovation. Embedding AT within larger societal missions will be key to success governments and investors need to understand what AT is and their translational socioeconomic value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Holloway
- UCL Interaction Centre, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.,Global Disability Innovation Hub, London, UK
| | - Dafne Zuleima Morgado Ramirez
- UCL Interaction Centre, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.,Global Disability Innovation Hub, London, UK
| | - Tigmanshu Bhatnagar
- UCL Interaction Centre, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.,Global Disability Innovation Hub, London, UK
| | - Ben Oldfrey
- Global Disability Innovation Hub, London, UK.,Institute of Making, University College London, London, UK
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Global Disability Innovation Hub, London, UK.,International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Ikenna D Ebuenyi
- Assisting Living & Learning (All) Institute, Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Giulia Barbareschi
- UCL Interaction Centre, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.,Global Disability Innovation Hub, London, UK
| | - Fiona Meeks
- Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Loughborough University London, London, UK
| | - Jessica Massie
- International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Felipe Ramos-Barajas
- UCL Interaction Centre, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.,Global Disability Innovation Hub, London, UK
| | - Joanne McVeigh
- Assisting Living & Learning (All) Institute, Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Kyle Keane
- Sinha Lab, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George Torrens
- School of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - P V M Rao
- Department of Design, IIT Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Malcolm MacLachlan
- Assisting Living & Learning (All) Institute, Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Victoria Austin
- UCL Interaction Centre, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.,Global Disability Innovation Hub, London, UK
| | - Rainer Kattel
- Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cheryl D Metcalf
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Srinivasan Sujatha
- TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2d2), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iit Madras, Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A Asare
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Burton MJ, Ramke J, Marques AP, Bourne RRA, Congdon N, Jones I, Ah Tong BAM, Arunga S, Bachani D, Bascaran C, Bastawrous A, Blanchet K, Braithwaite T, Buchan JC, Cairns J, Cama A, Chagunda M, Chuluunkhuu C, Cooper A, Crofts-Lawrence J, Dean WH, Denniston AK, Ehrlich JR, Emerson PM, Evans JR, Frick KD, Friedman DS, Furtado JM, Gichangi MM, Gichuhi S, Gilbert SS, Gurung R, Habtamu E, Holland P, Jonas JB, Keane PA, Keay L, Khanna RC, Khaw PT, Kuper H, Kyari F, Lansingh VC, Mactaggart I, Mafwiri MM, Mathenge W, McCormick I, Morjaria P, Mowatt L, Muirhead D, Murthy GVS, Mwangi N, Patel DB, Peto T, Qureshi BM, Salomão SR, Sarah V, Shilio BR, Solomon AW, Swenor BK, Taylor HR, Wang N, Webson A, West SK, Wong TY, Wormald R, Yasmin S, Yusufu M, Silva JC, Resnikoff S, Ravilla T, Gilbert CE, Foster A, Faal HB. The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health: vision beyond 2020. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e489-e551. [PMID: 33607016 PMCID: PMC7966694 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 438] [Impact Index Per Article: 146.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ana Patricia Marques
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rupert R A Bourne
- Vision and Eye Research Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nathan Congdon
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK; Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Simon Arunga
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Damodar Bachani
- John Snow India, New Delhi, India; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, India
| | - Covadonga Bascaran
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Peek Vision, London, UK
| | - Karl Blanchet
- Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tasanee Braithwaite
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; The Medical Eye Unit, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - John C Buchan
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - John Cairns
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Chimgee Chuluunkhuu
- Orbis International, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Mongolian Ophthalmology Society, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | | | - William H Dean
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alastair K Denniston
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Health Data Research UK, London, UK
| | - Joshua R Ehrlich
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Paul M Emerson
- International Trachoma Initiative and Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Evans
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kevin D Frick
- Carey Business School, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David S Friedman
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - João M Furtado
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Stephen Gichuhi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Reeta Gurung
- Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Esmael Habtamu
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Eyu-Ethiopia Eye Health Research, Training, and Service Centre, Bahirdar, Ethiopia
| | - Peter Holland
- International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, London, UK
| | - Jost B Jonas
- Institute of Clinical and Scientific Ophthalmology and Acupuncture Jonas and Panda, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pearse A Keane
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Lisa Keay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rohit C Khanna
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye Care, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Peng Tee Khaw
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Hannah Kuper
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fatima Kyari
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Van C Lansingh
- Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmologia, Queretaro, Mexico; Centro Mexicano de Salud Visual Preventiva, Mexico City, Mexico; Help Me See, New York, NY, USA
| | - Islay Mactaggart
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Milka M Mafwiri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Ian McCormick
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Priya Morjaria
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lizette Mowatt
- University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Debbie Muirhead
- The Fred Hollows Foundation, Melbourne, Australia; Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gudlavalleti V S Murthy
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad, India
| | - Nyawira Mwangi
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daksha B Patel
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tunde Peto
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Solange R Salomão
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Ciências Visuais, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Bernadetha R Shilio
- Department of Curative Services, Ministry of Health Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bonnielin K Swenor
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hugh R Taylor
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Aubrey Webson
- Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheila K West
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tien Yin Wong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Richard Wormald
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | | | - Mayinuer Yusufu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | | | - Serge Resnikoff
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Brien Holden Vision Institute, University of New South of Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Clare E Gilbert
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Allen Foster
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hannah B Faal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Africa Vision Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yashadhana A, Clarke NA, Zhang JH, Ahmad J, Mdala S, Morjaria P, Yoshizaki M, Kyari F, Burton MJ, Ramke J. Gender and ethnic diversity in global ophthalmology and optometry association leadership: a time for change. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2021; 41:623-629. [PMID: 33650712 DOI: 10.1111/opo.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the diversity of leadership bodies of member organisations of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) and the World Council of Optometry (WCO) in terms of: (1) the proportion who are women in all world regions, and (2) the proportion who are ethnic minority women and men in Eurocentric high-income regions. METHODS We undertook a cross-sectional study of board members and chairs of ICO and WCO member organisations using a desk-based assessment of member organisation websites during February and March 2020. Gender and ethnicity of board members and chairs were collected using a combination of validated algorithmic software and manual assessment, based on names and photographs where available. Gender proportions were calculated across Global Burden of Disease super-regions, and gender and ethnicity proportions in the high-income regions of Australasia, North America and Western Europe. RESULTS Globally, approximately one in three board members were women for both ICO (34%) and WCO (35%) members, and one in three ICO (32%) and one in five WCO (22%) chairpersons were women. Women held at least 50% of posts in only three of the 26 (12%) leadership structures assessed; these were based in Latin America and the Caribbean (59% of WCO board positions held by women, and 56% of WCO chairs), and Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania (55% of ICO chairs). In the Eurocentric high-income regions, white men held more than half of all board (56%) and chair (58%) positions and white women held a further quarter of positions (26% of board and 27% of chair positions). Ethnic minority women held the fewest number of board (6%) and chair (7%) positions. CONCLUSIONS Improvements in gender parity are needed in member organisations of the WCO and ICO across all world regions. In high-income regions, efforts to address inequity at the intersection of gender and ethnicity are also needed. Potential strategies to enable inclusive leadership must be centred on structurally enabled diversity and inclusion goals to support the professional progression of women, and people from ethnic minorities in global optometry and ophthalmology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aryati Yashadhana
- School of Public Health & Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Health Equity Research Training & Evaluation (CHETRE), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Justine H Zhang
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Jawad Ahmad
- University of Birmingham Medical School, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shaffi Mdala
- Ophthalmology Department, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Priya Morjaria
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Miho Yoshizaki
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fatima Kyari
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Matthew J Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kitema GF, Morjaria P, Mathenge W, Ramke J. The Appointment System Influences Uptake of Cataract Surgical Services in Rwanda. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18020743. [PMID: 33467193 PMCID: PMC7830332 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate barriers and enablers associated with the uptake of cataract surgery in Rwanda, where financial protection is almost universally available. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study where potential participants were adults aged >18 years who accepted an appointment for cataract surgery during the study period (May–July 2019). Information was collected from hospital records and a semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Of the 297 people with surgery appointments, 221 (74.4%) were recruited into the study, 126 (57.0%) of whom had attended their appointment. People more likely to attend their surgical appointment were literate, had fewer than 8 children, had poorer visual acuity, had access to a telephone in the family, received a specific date to attend their appointment, received a reminder, and reported no difficulties walking (95% significance level, p < 0.05). The most commonly reported barriers were insufficient information about the appointment (n = 40/68, 58.8%) and prohibitive indirect costs (n = 29/68, 42.6%). This study suggests that clear communication of appointment information and a subsequent reminder, together with additional support for people with limited mobility, are strategies that could improve uptake of cataract surgery in Rwanda.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gatera Fiston Kitema
- Ophthalmology Department, School of Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali 4285, Rwanda
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +250-788-599-349
| | - Priya Morjaria
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (P.M.); (J.R.)
| | - Wanjiku Mathenge
- Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO), Kigali 4285, Rwanda;
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (P.M.); (J.R.)
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Minakaran N, Morjaria P, Frick KD, Gilbert C. Cost-minimisation Analysis from a Non-inferiority Trial of Ready-Made versus Custom-Made Spectacles for School Children in India. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2020; 28:383-391. [PMID: 33256485 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2020.1851728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment in children. Many countries, including India, implement school eye health programmes involving vision screening and provision of free spectacles. This is costly for governments/organisations involved. This analysis estimates potential cost-savings if ready-made spectacles, in addition to traditional custom-made spectacles, are available for dispensing in school eye health programmes.Methods: An economic evaluation was conducted alongside a randomised controlled trial comparing spectacle wear of ready-made spectacles versus custom-made spectacles for children aged 11-15 years in schools in India. A cost-minimisation approach was used to calculate cost-savings of a 'ready-made spectacles available' programme compared with a 'custom-made spectacles only' school programme. The analysis was from a service provider perspective. Main outcomes: cost-saving per child needing spectacles and cost-saving per 1000 children screened.Results: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error was 2.23%, and 86% of children were eligible for ready-made spectacles. The cost per child needing spectacles in a custom-made spectacles only programme was USD$26.91, and in a ready-made spectacles available programme was $11.15, producing a 58.6% cost-saving per child needing spectacles of $15.76. Considering the total cost of the eye health programme, this equated to a 15.1% cost-saving per 1000 children screened of $361. Results were robust to multivariate sensitivity analyses.Conclusion: Our study is the first to demonstrate the significant cost-saving potential of ready-made spectacles in school eye health programmes for uncorrected refractive error compared with custom-made spectacles alone. This has substantial economic benefits for national/international programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Clare Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Morjaria P, Bastawrous A, Murthy GVS, Evans J, Sagar MJ, Pallepogula DR, Viswanath K, Gilbert C. Effectiveness of a novel mobile health (Peek) and education intervention on spectacle wear amongst children in India: Results from a randomized superiority trial in India. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 28:100594. [PMID: 33294811 PMCID: PMC7700898 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncorrected refractive errors can be corrected by spectacles which improve visual functioning, academic performance and quality of life. However, spectacle wear can be low due to teasing/bullying, parental disapproval and no perceived benefit.Hypothesis: higher proportion of children with uncorrected refractive errors in the schools allocated to the intervention will wear their spectacles 3-4 months after they are dispensed. METHODS A superiority, cluster-randomised controlled trial was undertaken in 50 government schools in Hyderabad, India using a superiority margin of 20%. Schools were the unit of randomization. Schools were randomized to intervention or a standard school programme. The same clinical procedures were followed in both arms and free spectacles were delivered to schools. Children 11-15 years with a presenting Snellen visual acuity of <6/9.5 in one or both eyes whose binocular acuity improved by ≥2 lines were recruited.In the intervention arm, classroom health education was delivered before vision screening using printed images which mimic the visual blur of uncorrected refractive error (PeekSim). Children requiring spectacles selected one image to give their parents who were also sent automated voice messages in the local language through Peek. The primary outcome was spectacle wear at 3-4 months, assessed by masked field workers at unannounced school visits. www.controlled-trials.com ISRCTN78134921 Registered on 29 June 2016. FINDINGS 701 children were prescribed spectacles (intervention arm: 376, control arm: 325). 535/701 (80%) were assessed at 3-4 months: intervention arm: 291/352 (82.7%); standard arm: 244/314 (77.7%). Spectacle wear was 156/291 (53.6%) in the intervention arm and 129/244 (52.9%) in the standard arm, a difference of 0.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), -0.08, 0.09). amongst the 291 (78%) parents contacted, only 13.9% had received the child delivered PeekSim image, 70.3% received the voice messages and 97.2% understood them. INTERPRETATION Spectacle wear was similar in both arms of the trial, one explanation being that health education for parents was not fully received. Health education messages to create behaviour change need to be targeted at the recipient and influencers in an appropriate, acceptable and accessible medium. FUNDING USAID (Childhood Blindness Programme), Seeing is Believing Innovation Fund and the Vision Impact Institute.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author.
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Gudlavalleti Venkata Satyanarayana Murthy
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Plot No #1, A.N.V. Arcade, Amar Co-op Society, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad 500033, India
| | - Jennifer Evans
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Mekala Jayanthi Sagar
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Plot No #1, A.N.V. Arcade, Amar Co-op Society, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad 500033, India
| | | | - Kalluri Viswanath
- Pushpagiri Vitreo Retina Institute, Plot No 241, Uma Plaza, 9, West Marredpally, Secunderabad, Telangana 500026, India
| | - Clare Gilbert
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wong CW, Foo LL, Morjaria P, Morgan I, Mueller A, Davis A, Keys D, He M, Sankaridurg P, Zhu JF, Hendicott P, Tan D, Saw SM, Cheng CY, Lamoureux EL, Crowston JG, Gemmy Cheung CM, Sng C, Chan C, Wong D, Lee SY, Agrawal R, Hoang QV, Su X, Koh A, Ngo C, Chen H, Wu PC, Chia A, Jonas JB, Wong TY, Ang M. Highlights from the 2019 International Myopia Summit on 'controversies in myopia'. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 105:1196-1202. [PMID: 32816799 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-316475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Myopia is an emerging public health issue with potentially significant economic and social impact, especially in East Asia. However, many uncertainties about myopia and its clinical management remain. The International Myopia Summit workgroup was convened by the Singapore Eye Research Institute, the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness in 2019. The aim of this workgroup was to summarise available evidence, identify gaps or unmet needs and provide consensus on future directions for clinical research in myopia. In this review, among the many 'controversies in myopia' discussed, we highlight three main areas of consensus. First, development of interventions for the prevention of axial elongation and pathologic myopia is needed, which may require a multifaceted approach targeting the Bruch's membrane, choroid and/or sclera. Second, clinical myopia management requires co-operation between optometrists and ophthalmologists to provide patients with holistic care and a tailored approach that balances risks and benefits of treatment by using optical and pharmacological interventions. Third, current diagnostic technologies to detect myopic complications may be improved through collaboration between clinicians, researchers and industry. There is an unmet need to develop new imaging modalities for both structural and functional analyses and to establish normative databases for myopic eyes. In conclusion, the workgroup's call to action advocated for a paradigm shift towards a collaborative approach in the holistic clinical management of myopia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chee Wai Wong
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Lian Foo
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Priya Morjaria
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
| | - Ian Morgan
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Australia
| | - Andreas Mueller
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific.,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda Davis
- International Agency for Prevention of Blindness, London, United Kingdom
| | - Drew Keys
- International Agency for Prevention of Blindness, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Padmaja Sankaridurg
- Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jian Feng Zhu
- Department of Preventative Ophthalmology Shanghai Eye Diseases Prevention & Treatment Centre, Shanghai Eye Hospital, China
| | - Peter Hendicott
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Optometry and Vision Science, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald Tan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seang-Mei Saw
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ching Yu Cheng
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ecosse Luc Lamoureux
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan G Crowston
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chelvin Sng
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Doric Wong
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu Yen Lee
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Quan V Hoang
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Xinyi Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adrian Koh
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Cheryl Ngo
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical College, China
| | - Pei Chang Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.,Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Audrey Chia
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jost B Jonas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Tien Yin Wong
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marcus Ang
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore .,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yashadhana A, Zhang JH, Yasmin S, Morjaria P, Holland P, Faal H, Burton MJ, Ramke J. Action needed to improve equity and diversity in global eye health leadership. Eye (Lond) 2020; 34:1051-1054. [PMID: 32203245 PMCID: PMC7413372 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-0843-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aryati Yashadhana
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Justine H Zhang
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Priya Morjaria
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter Holland
- International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, London, UK
| | - Hannah Faal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Matthew J Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK. .,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Morjaria P, Evans J, Gilbert C. Predictors of Spectacle Wear and Reasons for Nonwear in Students Randomized to Ready-made or Custom-made Spectacles: Results of Secondary Objectives From a Randomized Noninferiority Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol 2020; 137:408-414. [PMID: 30703197 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2018.6906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Visual impairment from uncorrected refractive errors affects 12.8 million children globally. Spectacle correction is simple and cost-effective; however, low adherence to spectacle wear, which can occur in all income settings, limits visual potential. Objective To investigate predictors of spectacle wear and reasons for nonwear in students randomized to ready-made or custom-made spectacles. Design, Setting, and Participants In planned secondary objectives of a noninferiority randomized clinical trial, students aged 11 to 15 years who fulfilled eligibility criteria, which included improvement in vision with correction by at least 2 lines in the better eye, were recruited from government schools in Bangalore, India. Recruitment took place between January 12 and July 15, 2015, and analysis for the primary outcome occurred in August 2016. Data analysis for the secondary outcome was conducted in August 2018. Spectacle wear was assessed by masked observers at unannounced visits to schools 3 to 4 months after spectacles were distributed. Students not wearing their spectacles were asked an open-ended question to elicit reasons for nonwear. Main Outcomes and Measures Predictors of spectacle wear and reasons for nonwear. Results Of 460 students recruited and randomized (52.2% male; 46 students aged 11 to 12 years and 13 to 15 years in each trial arm), 78.7% (362 of 460) were traced at follow-up, and 25.4% (92 of 362) were not wearing their spectacles (no difference between trial arms). Poorer presenting visual acuity (VA) and improvement in VA with correction predicted spectacle wear. Students initially seen with an uncorrected VA less than 6/18 in the better eye were almost 3 times more likely to be wearing their spectacles than those with less than 6/9 to 6/12 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.52-5.27). Improvement of VA with correction of 3 to 6 lines or more than 6 lines had adjusted odds ratios of 2.31 (95% CI, 1.19-4.50) and 2.57 (95% CI, 1.32-5.01), respectively, compared with an improvement of less than 3 lines. The main reason students gave for nonwear was teasing or bullying by peers (48.9% [45 of 92]). Girls reported parental disapproval as a reason more frequently than boys (difference, 7.2%). Conclusions and Relevance Three-quarters of students receiving spectacles were wearing them at follow-up, which supports the use of the prescribing guidelines applied in this trial. Predictors of spectacle wear, poorer presenting VA, and greater improvement in VA with correction are similar to other studies. Interventions to reduce teasing and bullying are required, and health education of parents is particularly needed for girls in this setting. Trial Registration isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN14715120.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Clinical Research Unit, Infectious Tropical Diseases, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England
| | - Jennifer Evans
- Clinical Research Unit, Infectious Tropical Diseases, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England
| | - Clare Gilbert
- Clinical Research Unit, Infectious Tropical Diseases, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Morjaria P, McCormick I, Gilbert C. Compliance and Predictors of Spectacle Wear in Schoolchildren and Reasons for Non-Wear: A Review of the Literature. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2019; 26:367-377. [PMID: 31181970 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2019.1628282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of visual impairment in children, affecting children in all settings. The majority of refractive errors can be corrected with spectacles. High compliance with spectacle wear is required for children to realize the benefit, such as higher academic achievement. This review collates evidence on compliance with spectacle wear, factors which predict spectacle wear and reasons for non-compliance among schoolchildren.Methods: Literature searches were conducted on Medline, Embase, Global Health and the Cochrane Library. The date range was January 2000 to November 2017 and there were no language restrictions. The search retrieved a total of 1299 references, 522 duplicate records were removed leaving 777 references to assess. Twenty-five studies were included in the review.Results: Evidence suggests that greater severity of uncorrected refractive error and lower levels of uncorrected visual acuity are associated with higher levels of spectacle wear. Addressing socio-demographic reasons for non-compliance is complex as they are context specific. Evidence that children become less compliant with spectacle wear with increasing age is not consistent. Quantitative data indicate girls are more likely to be compliant with spectacles wear than boys, but qualitative studies highlight specific challenges faced by girls.Conclusion: There was considerable variation between studies in how spectacle compliance was defined, the time interval between dispensing the spectacles and assessment, and how compliance was assessed. There is need to standardize all aspects of the assessment of compliance. Further qualitative and quantitative studies are required in a range of settings to assess the biomedical and socio-demographic factors which affect spectacle wear compliance using standard definitions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ian McCormick
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Clare Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fricke T, Morjaria P, Sankaridurg P. Who is at risk of myopia? Community Eye Health 2019; 32:16. [PMID: 31409950 PMCID: PMC6688409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
22
|
Fricke T, Morjaria P, Yasmin S, Sankaridurg P. Advocacy to reduce the risk of myopia. Community Eye Health 2019; 32:12. [PMID: 31409947 PMCID: PMC6688424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Fricke
- Senior Research Fellow and Paediatric Optometrist: Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Research Fellow: Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, International Centre for Eye Health, London, UK
| | - Sumrana Yasmin
- Regional Director: South East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean, Brien Holden Vision Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Padmaja Sankaridurg
- Head: Global Myopia Centre, Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Minto H, Morjaria P, Naidoo K. Myopia: a serious condition that needs our attention. Community Eye Health 2019; 32:1-3. [PMID: 31409939 PMCID: PMC6688421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Minto
- Global Programs Director: Child Eye Heath & Low Vision Brien Holden Vision Institute
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Research Fellow and Public Health Optometrist: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
| | - Kovin Naidoo
- Senior Vice President: Inclusive Business, Philanthropy & Social Impact, Essilor
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lowry EA, Li J, Kasi SK, Blumberg S, Morjaria P, Schallhorn S, Naseri A. The Effect of Anterior Corneal Astigmatism Orientation on Toric Intraocular Lens Outcomes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.4236/ojoph.2019.92010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
25
|
Morton M, Lee L, Morjaria P. Practical tips for managing myopia. Community Eye Health 2019; 32:17-18. [PMID: 31409951 PMCID: PMC6688416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Morton
- Online Education Coordinator: Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ling Lee
- Research Officer/Optometrist: Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Research Fellow: Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, International Centre for Eye Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Foster A, Morjaria P. Examining the eye. Community Eye Health 2019; 32:41-42. [PMID: 32123466 PMCID: PMC7041823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Allen Foster
- Co-Director: International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Assistant Professor and Public Health Optometrist: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Morjaria P. How myopia develops. Community Eye Health 2019; 32:4. [PMID: 31409940 PMCID: PMC6688406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Research Fellow: Department of Clincial Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, International Centre for Eye Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Flanagan J, Fricke T, Morjaria P, Yasmin S. Myopia: a growing epidemic. Community Eye Health 2019; 32:9. [PMID: 31409944 PMCID: PMC6688420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Flanagan
- Senior Scientist: Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tim Fricke
- Senior Research Fellow and Paediatric Optometrist: Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Research Fellow: Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, International Centre for Eye Health, London, UK
| | - Sumrana Yasmin
- Regional Director: South East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean, Brien Holden Vision Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
McCormick I, Morjaria P, Mactaggart I, Bunce C, Bascaran C, Jeremiah M, Foster A. Spectacle Compliance and Its Determinants in a School Vision Screening Pilot in Botswana. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2018; 26:109-116. [PMID: 30299188 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2018.1523441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The effectiveness of school eye health programmes relies on many factors, including compliance with spectacle wear. The objectives of this study were to determine spectacle compliance in a school vision screening pilot programme in Botswana, and investigate factors predictive of compliance. METHODS The study was an observational, cross-sectional follow-up of a pilot school screening programme. Unannounced compliance checks were completed after 3-4 months in a convenience sample of 19 schools. Sex, age, school level, visual acuity, and refractive error were analysed using logistic regression to investigate factors predictive of compliance. FINDINGS Compliance data were recorded for 193/286 (67.5%) children; 62.2% were female and the median age was 15 years (interquartile range 12-17 years). 60.1% of the sample were compliant with spectacle wear. Girls were more likely to be compliant than boys (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-5.27). Children at primary and junior secondary school were more likely to be complaint than senior secondary school children (aOR = 16.96, 95% CI 5.60-51.39; and aOR = 3.39, 95% CI 1.39-8.22, respectively). Children with binocular uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 6/7.5 to 6/12 were 2.76 (95% CI1.05-7.23) times more likely to be compliant than children with binocular UCVA of 6/6. CONCLUSION Compliance was higher in Botswana than previous African studies; however, improvement in this area would increase the effectiveness of the programme. Further investigation into barriers to spectacle wear affecting boys and older children is warranted. A prescribing protocol to avoid low prescriptions - especially where binocular UCVA is 6/6 - is desirable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian McCormick
- a Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Priya Morjaria
- a Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Islay Mactaggart
- a Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Catey Bunce
- b School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine , King's College London , London , UK
| | - Covadonga Bascaran
- a Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | | | - Allen Foster
- a Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the benefits of vision screening seem intuitive, the value of such programmes in junior and senior schools has been questioned. In addition there exists a lack of clarity regarding the optimum age for screening and frequency at which to carry out screening. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of vision screening programmes carried out in schools to reduce the prevalence of correctable visual acuity deficits due to refractive error in school-age children. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2017, Issue 4); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; the ISRCTN registry; ClinicalTrials.gov and the ICTRP. The date of the search was 3 May 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster-randomised trials, that compared vision screening with no vision screening, or compared interventions to improve uptake of spectacles or efficiency of vision screening. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened search results and extracted data. Our pre-specified primary outcome was uncorrected, or suboptimally corrected, visual acuity deficit due to refractive error six months after screening. Pre-specified secondary outcomes included visual acuity deficit due to refractive error more than six months after screening, visual acuity deficit due to causes other than refractive error, spectacle wearing, quality of life, costs, and adverse effects. We graded the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We identified seven relevant studies. Five of these studies were conducted in China with one study in India and one in Tanzania. A total of 9858 children aged between 10 and 18 years were randomised in these studies, 8240 of whom (84%) were followed up between one and eight months after screening. Overall we judged the studies to be at low risk of bias. None of these studies compared vision screening for correctable visual acuity deficits with not screening.Two studies compared vision screening with the provision of free spectacles versus vision screening with no provision of free spectacles (prescription only). These studies provide high-certainty evidence that vision screening with provision of free spectacles results in a higher proportion of children wearing spectacles than if vision screening is accompanied by provision of a prescription only (risk ratio (RR) 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34 to 1.90; 1092 participants). The studies suggest that if approximately 250 per 1000 children given vision screening plus prescription only are wearing spectacles at follow-up (three to six months) then 400 per 1000 (335 to 475) children would be wearing spectacles after vision screening and provision of free spectacles. Low-certainty evidence suggested better educational attainment in children in the free spectacles group (adjusted difference 0.11 in standardised mathematics score, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.21, 1 study, 2289 participants). Costs were reported in one study in Tanzania in 2008 and indicated a relatively low cost of screening and spectacle provision (low-certainty evidence). There was no evidence of any important effect of provision of free spectacles on uncorrected visual acuity (mean difference -0.02 logMAR (95% CI adjusted for clustering -0.04 to 0.01) between the groups at follow-up (moderate-certainty evidence). Other pre-specified outcomes of this review were not reported.Two studies explored the effect of an educational intervention in addition to vision screening on spectacle wear. There was moderate-certainty evidence of little apparent effect of the education interventions investigated in these studies in addition to vision screening, compared to vision screening alone for spectacle wearing (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.31, 1 study, 3177 participants) or related outcome spectacle purchase (odds ratio (OR) 0.84, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.31, 1 study, 4448 participants). Other pre-specified outcomes of this review were not reported.Three studies compared vision screening with ready-made spectacles versus vision screening with custom-made spectacles. These studies provide moderate-certainty evidence of no clinically meaningful differences between the two types of spectacles. In one study, mean logMAR acuity in better and worse eye was similar between groups: mean difference (MD) better eye 0.03 logMAR, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.05; 414 participants; MD worse eye 0.06 logMAR, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.08; 414 participants). There was high-certainty evidence of no important difference in spectacle wearing (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.05; 1203 participants) between the two groups and moderate-certainty evidence of no important difference in quality of life between the two groups (the mean quality-of-life score measured using the National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life scale 42 was 1.42 better (1.04 worse to 3.90 better) in children with ready-made spectacles (1 study of 188 participants). Although none of the studies reported on costs directly, ready-made spectacles are cheaper and may represent considerable cost-savings for vision screening programmes in lower income settings. There was low-certainty evidence of no important difference in adverse effects between the two groups. Adverse effects were reported in one study and were similar between groups. These included blurred vision, distorted vision, headache, disorientation, dizziness, eyestrain and nausea. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Vision screening plus provision of free spectacles improves the number of children who have and wear the spectacles they need compared with providing a prescription only. This may lead to better educational outcomes. Health education interventions, as currently devised and tested, do not appear to improve spectacle wearing in children. In lower-income settings, ready-made spectacles may provide a useful alternative to expensive custom-made spectacles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Evans
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineCochrane Eyes and Vision, ICEHKeppel StreetLondonUKWC1E 7HT
| | - Priya Morjaria
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUKWC1E 7HT
| | - Christine Powell
- Royal Victoria InfirmaryDepartment of OphthalmologyClaremont WingQueen Victoria RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE1 4LP
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Morjaria P, Evans J, Murali K, Gilbert C. Spectacle Wear Among Children in a School-Based Program for Ready-Made vs Custom-Made Spectacles in India: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol 2017; 135:527-533. [PMID: 28426857 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2017.0641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Uncorrected refractive errors are the most common cause of visual impairment in children despite correction being highly cost-effective. Objective To determine whether less expensive ready-made spectacles produce rates of spectacle wear at 3 to 4 months comparable to those of more expensive custom-made spectacles among eligible school-aged children. Design, Setting, and Participants This noninferiority, double-masked, randomized clinical trial recruited children aged 11 to 15 years from January 12 through July 31, 2015, from government schools in urban and periurban areas surrounding Bangalore, India. Follow-up occurred from August 1 through September 31, 2015. Participants met the following eligibility criteria for ready-made spectacles: failed vision screening at the 6/9 level in each eye; refraction was indicated; acuity improved with correction by 2 or more lines in the better-seeing eye; the corrected acuity with the spherical equivalent was not more than 1 line less than with full correction; anisometropia measured less than 1.0 diopter; and an appropriate frame was available. Interventions Eligible children were randomized to ready-made or custom-made spectacles. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion of children wearing their spectacles at unannounced visits 3 to 4 months after the intervention. Results Of 23 345 children aged 11 to 15 years who underwent screening, 694 had visual acuity of less than 6/9 in both eyes, and 535 underwent assessment for eligibility. A total of 460 children (227 female [49.3%] and 233 male [50.7%]; mean [SD] age, 13.4 [1.3] years) were eligible for ready-made spectacles (2.0% undergoing screening and 86.0% undergoing assessment) and were randomized to ready-made (n = 232) or custom-made (n = 228) spectacles. Follow-up rates at 3 to 4 months were similar (184 [79.3%] in the ready-made group and 178 [78.1%] in the custom-made group). Rates of spectacle wear in the 2 arms were similar among 139 of 184 children (75.5%) in the ready-made arm and 131 of 178 children (73.6%) in the custom-made arm (risk difference, 1.8%; 95% CI, -7.1% to 10.8%). Conclusions and Relevance Most children were eligible for ready-made spectacles, and the proportion wearing ready-made spectacles was not inferior to the proportion wearing custom-made spectacles at 3 to 4 months. These findings suggest that ready-made spectacles could substantially reduce costs for school-based eye health programs in India without compromising spectacle wear, at least in the short term. Trial Registration isrctn.com Identifier: ISRCTN14715120.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Faculty of Infectious Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenifer Evans
- Faculty of Infectious Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Clare Gilbert
- Faculty of Infectious Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Morjaria P, Bastawrous A, Murthy GVS, Evans J, Gilbert C. Erratum to: Effectiveness of a novel mobile health education intervention (Peek) on spectacle wear among children in India: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:309. [PMID: 28687083 PMCID: PMC5501941 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2071-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Evans
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Clare Gilbert
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Morjaria P, Bastawrous A, Murthy GVS, Evans J, Gilbert C. Effectiveness of a novel mobile health education intervention (Peek) on spectacle wear among children in India: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:168. [PMID: 28388923 PMCID: PMC5385039 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-1888-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uncorrected refractive errors are the commonest cause of visual loss in children despite spectacle correction being highly cost-effective. Many affected children do not benefit from correction as a high proportion do not wear their spectacles. Reasons for non-wear include parental attitudes, overprescribing and children being teased/bullied. Most school programmes do not provide health education for affected children, their peers, teachers or parents. The Portable Eye Examination Kit (Peek) will be used in this study. Peek has applications for measuring visual acuity with software for data entry and sending automated messages to inform providers and parents. Peek also has an application which simulates the visual blur of uncorrected refractive error (SightSim). The hypothesis is that higher proportion of children with uncorrected refractive errors in schools allocated to the Peek educational package will wear their spectacles 3–4 months after they are dispensed, and a higher proportion of children identified with other eye conditions will access services, compared with schools receiving standard school screening. Methods/Design Cluster randomized, double-masked trial of children with and without uncorrected refractive errors or other eye conditions. Government schools in Hyderabad, India will be allocated to intervention (Peek) or comparator (standard programme) arms before vision screening. In the intervention arm Peek will be used for vision screening, SightSim images will be used in classroom teaching and will be taken home by children, and voice messages will be sent to parents of children requiring spectacles or referral. In both arms the same criteria for recruitment, prescribing and dispensing spectacles will be used. After 3–4 months children dispensed spectacles will be followed up to assess spectacle wear, and uptake of referrals will be ascertained. The cost of developing and delivering the Peek package will be assessed. The cost per child wearing their spectacles or accessing services will be compared. Discussion Educating parents, teachers and children about refractive errors and the importance of wearing spectacles has the potential to increase spectacle wear amongst children. Innovative, potentially scalable mobile technology (Peek) will be used to screen, provide health education, track spectacle wear and adherence to follow-up amongst children referred. Trial registration Controlled-Trials.com, ISRCTN78134921. Registered on 29 June 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1888-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Evans
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Clare Gilbert
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Morjaria P, Raj PD, Murthy GVS. Improving spectacle wear in school children. Community Eye Health 2017; 30:31-32. [PMID: 29070924 PMCID: PMC5646580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Research Fellow/Public Health Optometrist International Centre for Eye Health, London, UK
| | - P Dinesh Raj
- Project Coordinator: Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad India
| | - GVS Murthy
- Director: Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad, India & Professor Public Health Eye Care & Disability, LSHTM, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Morjaria P. Use of ready-made spectacles in school eye health programmes. Community Eye Health 2017; 30:33. [PMID: 29070925 PMCID: PMC5646581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Research Fellow and Public Health Optometrist: International Centre for Eye Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Morjaria P, Bastawrous A. Helpful developments and technologies for school eye health programmes. Community Eye Health 2017; 30:34-36. [PMID: 29070926 PMCID: PMC5646582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Research Fellow and Public Health Optometrist: International Centre for Eye Health, London UK
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- Assistant Professor in International Eye Health: International Centre for Eye Health, London, UK. Co-Founder & CEO of The Peek Vision Foundation and its trading subsidiary, Peek Vision Ltd
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Uprety S, Khanal S, Morjaria P, Puri LR. Profile of paediatric low vision population: a retrospective study from Nepal. Clin Exp Optom 2016; 99:61-5. [PMID: 26875855 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood blindness and low vision have become major public health problems in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to categorise the causes of visual impairment according to aetiology and provide detailed local information on visually impaired children seeking low-vision services in a tertiary eye centre in Nepal. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted of all visually impaired children (visual acuity of less than 6/18 in the better eye), aged less than 17 years seen in the low-vision clinic at the Sagarmatha Chaudhary Eye Hospital in Lahan between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. RESULTS Of the 558 visually impaired children, the majority were males, 356 (63.7 per cent). More than half (56.5 per cent) of the children were in the 11 to 16 years age group. Many of the low-vision children (52.9 per cent) were identified as having moderate visual impairment (visual acuity less than 6/18 to 6/60). Most children were diagnosed with childhood (36.2 per cent) or genetic (35.5 per cent) aetiology, followed by prenatal (22.2 per cent) and perinatal (6.1 per cent) aetiologies. Refractive error and amblyopia (20.1 per cent), retinitis pigmentosa (14.9 per cent) and macular dystrophy (13.4 per cent) were the most common causes of paediatric visual impairment. Nystagmus (50.0 per cent) was the most common cause of low vision in the one to five years age group, whereas refractive error and amblyopia were the major causes in the six to 10 and 11 to 16 years age group (17.6 and 22.9 per cent, respectively). Many of the children (86.0 per cent) were prescribed low-vision aids and 72.0 per cent of the low-vision aid users showed an improvement in visual acuity either at distance or near. CONCLUSION Paediatric low vision has a negative impact on the quality of life in children. Data from this study indicate that knowledge about the local characteristics and aetiological categorisation of the causes of low vision are essential in tackling paediatric visual impairment. The findings also signify the importance of early intervention to ensure a better quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Uprety
- BP Koirala Lions Center for Ophthalmic Studies, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Safal Khanal
- College of Optometry, Southwestern University, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Priya Morjaria
- Department of Clinical Research, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Finger RP, Sivasubramaniam S, Morjaria P, Bansal A, Muhit M, Kinra S, Gilbert CE. Migration study of lens opacities in Bangladeshi adults in London and Bangladesh: a pilot study. Br J Ophthalmol 2015; 99:762-7. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2014-305971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|