IMPACT OF A SIGHT-SAVER CLINIC ON THE PREVALENCE OF BLINDNESS IN NORTHERN KWAZULU

The prevalence of blindness in the Ingwavuma district of northern KwaZ ulu was 1% (95% confidence interval 0,75 - 1,25) in 1990, and the prev alence of blindness due solely to age-related cataract was 0,39% (95% Cl 0,24 - 0,54). Eight sight-saver clinics were held between 1990 and 1993. Nine hundred and thirteen patients were seen and 113 cataract ex tractions performed at a cost of R62 000. The prevalence of blindness due solely to age-related cataract was reduced by 25% to 0,29% (95% Cl 0,17 - 0,41). The overall prevalence of blindness was reduced by 4% t o 0,96% (95% Cl 0,72 - 1,20). The provision of aphakic spectacles to a phakic patients whose spectacles have either been lost or broken would effect a further 11% reduction to 0,85% (95% Cl 0,63 -1,07). The esta blishment of a permanent sight-saver clinic staffed by an ophthalmic m edical assistant who is working full-time in this capacity would facil itate an improvement in the delivery of eye care in the area.