Abstract
PurposeThis study was conducted to assess the impact of the eye care programme on cataract blindness and cataract surgical services in Sokoto, Nigeria over a 12 year period 2005–2016.MethodsData from the 2005 population based cross-sectional study of blindness in Sokoto state was re-analysed to obtain baseline estimates of the prevalence of cataract blindness and cataract surgical coverage for persons 50 years and over in Wurno health zone. A population based survey of a representative sample of persons 50 years and over in Wurno health zone was conducted in July 2016. Data on eye health workforce, infrastructure and cataract surgical services between 2005 and 2016 were analysed from relevant documents.ResultsIn 2005 the unadjusted prevalence of bilateral cataract blindness (<3/60) in people 50 years and over in Wurno health zone was 5.6% (95% CI: 3.1, 10.1). By 2016 this had fallen to 2.1% (95% CI 1.5%, 2.7%), with the age-sex adjusted prevalence being 1.9% (95% CI 1.3%, 2.5%). The CSC for persons with visual acuity <3/60, <6/60, <6/18 for Wurno health zone was 9.1%, 7.1% and 5.5% respectively in 2005 and this had increased to 67.3%, 62.1% and 34.7% respectively in 2016. The CSR in Sokoto state increased from 272 (1005 operations) in 2006, to 596 (2799 operations) in 2014. In the 2005 survey, couching (a procedure used by traditional practitioners to dislocate the lens into the vitreous cavity) accounted for 87.5% of all cataract interventions, compared to 45.8% in the 2016 survey participants. In 2016 18% of eyes having a cataract operation with IOL implantation had a presenting visual acuity of <6/60 (poor outcome) with the main causes being postoperative complications (53%) and uncorrected refractive error (29%).ConclusionBetween 2005 and 2016 there was a doubling in cataract surgical rate, a 7 times increase in cataract surgical coverage (<3/60), and a decrease in cataract blindness and the proportion of eyes being couched. However, there remains a high prevalence of un-operated cataract in 2016 indicating a need to further improve access to affordable and good quality cataract surgical services.
Highlights
The WHO Global Action Plan for Eye Health 2014–2019 aims to achieve increased access to eye care especially in low and middle income countries
In 2005 the unadjusted prevalence of bilateral cataract blindness (
Between 2005 and 2016 there was a doubling in cataract surgical rate, a 7 times increase in cataract surgical coverage (
Summary
The WHO Global Action Plan for Eye Health 2014–2019 aims to achieve increased access to eye care especially in low and middle income countries. It recommends conducting population based surveys to provide an evidence-base for planning and evaluating eye health programmes [1]. Between 2005 and 2014 Sightsavers UK supported the Sokoto state government in Nigeria to develop an eye care programme to improve services in 4 health zones covering all the 23 local government areas (LGAs) of the state. The support covered human resources development, medical equipment and medical supplies. In 2005 a survey was conducted in the 4 health zones to provide baseline data [2]. To assess the impact of the programme we conducted a follow-up survey in 2016 in one of the four health zones and collated data on the changes in eye care resources and services over the period of the programme
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
