Dr. PARIKSHIT GOGATE

Dr.SUPRIYA PHADKE, Dr.Taraprasad Das

Semi Final

Abstract

Aim was to estimate the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment using a door-to-door screening and vision centre (VC) strategy in an urban slum. 4 trained health workers measured visual acuity &amp; performed ocular examination in patients’ homes. People with vision <6/18 were requested to visit the VC for a comprehensive eye examination. An ophthalmologist examined people in homes who did not visit the VC despite two requests. 44,535 people in 2015-16 and 98.14% (n= 43,708) of them in 2018-19 were examined. Blindness (vision < 3/60 in better eye), and moderate-to-severe visual impairment (MSVI, vision 6/18- 6/60 in better eye) were 0.26% and 1.3% respectively in 2015; and 0.16% and 1.1% respectively in 2019 (P<0.001). When the worse eye was considered, blindness reduced from 0.72 to 0.44%, SVI reduced from 0.1% to 0.07% and MVI decreased from 1.7% to 1.49% between 2015 and 2019 (P<0.001). Females (P<0.001) and older individuals (P<0.001) were more likely to have blindness or SVI.