BLINDNESS PREVENTION THROUGH SCREENING FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY AND GLAUCOMA IN RURAL POPULATION A NOVEL APPROACH

Abstract

Background: Rapid Survey by Government of India (2006-07) estimated the prevalence of blindness as 1% and 0.95% in India and Maharashtra respectively. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is seen in 3.5% of all and 18% of diabetic cases above 40 years of age. Glaucoma is also one of the potentially blinding diseases that affect 11.2 million persons aged 40 years and above in India

Objectives: of the project were to build the capacity of General Practitioners (GPs) & Female Health Volunteers (FHVs) for early detection & referral of diabetics cases from the rural area, to establish an effective referral linkage between trained GPs, FHVs & Pravara hospital for further evaluation and treatment at referral center.

Methods: The Project was implemented for three years (2004-2006) in the contiguous villages from four talukas of Ahmednagar district. Screening of general and high risk population for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma through diagnostic camps & training workshops for General Practitioners (GPs) and Female Health Volunteers (FHVs) were organized. The trained GPs & FHVs from the villages of the project area subsequently referred the cases after preliminary screening at the community level to the Specialized DR and Glaucoma clinic.

Results: During the project period, 6860 individuals were screened by GP, FHV and the specialists. Out of the screened population, 486 cases (7.08%) were diagnosed and treated for glaucoma. Among 5176 individuals screened for DR, 453 cases (8.75%) were diagnosed and treated.

Conclusion: Blindness due to DR and glaucoma can be reduced by organizing screening programmes at village level with the help of trained health volunteers and paramedical workers. Early detection, timely referral to higher centers and specialized treatment can prevent the long-term morbidity due to blindness and would improve the quality of life.