Community Ophthalmology:
There are 45 million blind persons in the World, of which 12 millions blind persons is in India including 1% is due corneal blindness.
As per WHO estimates the blind population will double by 2020 due to rise in population and longevity. Cataract is the commonest cause of blindness (62.6%) followed by uncorrected refractive errors (19.7%); Corneal Blindness (0.90%), Glaucoma (5.80%), Surgical Complication (1.20%) Posterior Capsular Opacification (0.90%) Posterior Segment Disorder (4.70%) and Others (4.19%).
The community out reach programme is always a integrated part of sathyan eye care hospital & coimbatore glaucoma foundation. There are different programmes conducted depending on the need and availability of resources. The different programs include: comprehensive eye screening: as part of chief Minster’s health programme every month a local eye screening camp is conducted in the community.
Comprehensive Health Check up:
An ophthalmic stall is installed in any general health camp and screening for eye diseases is conducted. School screening camp is conducted every year and children with refractive error or any childhood ailment like squint or amblyopia is referred to base hospital for further investigation and treatment. The teacher and parent education programme is also conducted at the school to bring awareness on eye health and common eye problems
Diabetic retinopathy screening camps, glaucoma family screening camp, glaucoma patient education programme are conducted at the hospital itself on specific dates and prior notification to patients
Work place camp is conducted in banks, industries, airports, insurance offices, retired and senior citizen living areas . These camps are customised either as comprehensive eye camps or work place camps involving issue of fitness certificate
All these camps have the involvement of camp organisers, project managers, outreach coordinators, social workers, counsellors, ophthalmic assistants engaged in outreach/marketing of eye care services and have working knowledge in local language and Basic English. They help us participate in all steps of preparation and actual organisation of an eye camp along with after camp review with recall and follow up.
The bigger thought process went in setting of the vision chart in the vehicle used by the hospital. It has a self test vision chart with instructions and has helped many passer by people to self asses themselves
Diagnosis
Community ophthalmology focuses on providing eye care services to communities, often in underserved or remote areas. Here's an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of common eye conditions in a community ophthalmology setting. Community ophthalmologists diagnose a variety of eye conditions through comprehensive eye examinations. Common diagnostic procedures include.
Visual Acuity Test:
To assess the clarity of vision.
Slit-Lamp Examination:
To examine the structures of the eye, such as the cornea, iris, and lens.
Intraocular Pressure Measurement:
To screen for glaucoma.
Treatment of Eye Conditions
Treatment in community ophthalmology often involves both medical and surgical interventions, depending on the condition. Common treatments include:
Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses:
Prescribed to correct refractive errors.
Medications:
Eye drops or ointments for conditions such as infections, inflammation, or glaucoma.
Laser Therapy:
For conditions like diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.