InVestIgating the pSychologIcal and ecONomic impAct of cataRact surgerY in Vietnam: The VISIONARY observational study protocol

Beverley M Essue,Huynh Tan Phuc,Andreas Mueller,Stephen Jan,Maree L Hackett,Nguyen Thi Hanh Duc

doi:10.1186/1471-2415-11-25

Beverley M Essue, Huynh Tan Phuc + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2415-11-25

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Abstract

BackgroundVisual impairment caused by cataracts not only affects an individual's quality of life but can also have a profound impact on other important psychological factors and on the economic circumstances of individuals and their households. Cataract surgery is an effective intervention to restore vision and is also associated with other positive consequences including improvements in quality of life, economic and psychological outcomes. While there has been an increase in the number and quality of cataract surgeries performed in Vietnam, the programs currently in place are still unable to meet the existing demand and need for surgery. Data on both the cost-effectiveness of cataract surgery and the economic and psychological impact of untreated cataract in this setting is lacking.Methods/DesignThis study, investigating the psychological and economic impact of cataract surgery in Vietnam (VISIONARY), will recruit and interview a sample of adults (18 years or over) who are referred for cataract surgery by one of the following sites and their outreach programs: Hue Eye Hospital; Thai Binh Eye Hospital; Binh Dinh Department of Health Eye Hospital and the Vinh Long Department of Health Social Disease Centre. All participants (those who have cataract surgery and those who do not have surgery) will be followed up at six and 12 months.DiscussionThis study is designed to examine the impact of low vision on household economic circumstances and psychological outcomes as well as to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cataract surgery in Vietnam. It will help to inform international and national non-government organisations working in the country and local policy-makers on priorities for further investment in eye-health services in this setting and their relevance to broader economic development goals.

Highlights

DiscussionIt will help to inform international and national non-government organisations working in the country and local policy-makers on priorities for further investment in eye-health services in this setting and their relevance to broader economic development goals
Visual impairment caused by cataracts affects an individual’s quality of life but can have a profound impact on other important psychological factors and on the economic circumstances of individuals and their households
Of even more concern is the staggering numbers who are living with low vision, approximately 18,086 people per 100,000, much of which is caused by untreated cataract [3]

Summary

Discussion

Evidence on the cost of visual impairment and cost savings associated with preventing visual impairment at a global level can be important advocacy tools for global campaigns for the prevention of blindness (i.e. the VISION 2020 and The Right to Sight campaign). Global data is only of limited value for advocacy purposes at a country-level and so there is a need for evidence on the economic impact of visual impairment in specific developing countries. Indicators for costs associated with visual impairment, including: the value of lost income and the role of formal health care versus family support are expected to differ widely between developed and developing countries. This study will provide novel and valuable information about the economic impact of visual impairment in a developing country and will further assess the economic benefit associated with the prevention of visual impairment from cataract in this setting

Background

Methods/Design

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