ATTACKING THE BACKLOG OF INDIA CURABLE BLIND - THE ARAVIND-EYE-HOSPITAL MODEL

The number of individuals in developing nations with preventable blind ness from cataract and other disorders is increasing. New programs inc orporating local customs and efficiently using available resources mus t be created to prevent the escalation of blindness and to rehabilitat e patients already disabled with cataracts. We describe a system of hi gh-quality, high-volume, cost-effective cataract surgery, using screen ing eye camps and a resident hospital. This has enabled us to provide efficient low-cost cataract surgery and overcome barriers of adequate eye care in southern India. We have been successful in lo eating patie nts with treatable eye problems, educating them about the availability of ophthalmic care, and providing free eye care. Our structure stress es the following. community involvement, identification of individuals most likely to benefit from screening, efficient utilization of both medical and paramedical personnel, and a streamlined approach to scree ning patients. This system may be capable of modification for use in o ther developing areas to decrease the backlog of cataract blindness.