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Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of blindness and severe visual impairment (SVI) by using a door-to-door screening and vision center (VC) examination strategy in an urban area in western Maharashtra (Pune), India and repeat the exercise after 4 years to study its impact., Methods: Four trained community health workers measured the visual acuity and performed an external ocular examination in patients' homes. People with vision <6/18 were requested to visit the VC for a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist. An ophthalmologist examined people whose vision did not improve to 6/12. A home examination was done for people who did not visit the VC despite two requests. The same population was examined twice in an interval of 4 years., Results: In the study, 44,535 people in 2015-16 and 98.14% (n = 43,708) of them in 2018-19 were examined. Blindness (vision < 3/60 in better eye), and moderate-to-severe visual impairment (MSVI, vision 6/18-6/60 in better eye) were 0.26% and 1.3%, respectively, in the first cohort, and 0.16% and 1.1%, respectively, in the second cohort (P < 0.001). When the worse eye was considered, the prevalence of blindness reduced from 0.72% to 0.44%, SVI reduced from 0.1% to 0.07%, and MVI decreased from 1.7% to 1.49% between 2015 and 2019 (P < 0.001). Females (P < 0.001) and older individuals (P < 0.001) were more likely to have blindness or SVI. In the VC, 8211 people were examined in 4 years., Conclusion: The reduction of blindness and MSVI in the urban area of Pune can be partly ascribed to the presence of a VC and attendant screening in this locality., Competing Interests: None

Purposes: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnitude and determinants of bilateral blindness and visual impairment (VI) in the southwest region of São Paulo State, Brazil., Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted during 2013 and 2014 targeted people of all ages in 10 districts in the southwest region of São Paulo State, Brazil. Ophthalmologists in a mobile unit measured visual acuity and examined eyes. Visual acuity was categorized according to the World Health Organization sex-adjusted rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Number of blindness and visually impaired was projected for the entire study area., Results: We examined 2,306 participants. The age- and sex-adjusted frequency of bilateral blindness was 0.26% (95% CI: 0.1-0.4). Females (0.35%) and patients 350 years old (0.58%) had higher rate of blindness compared with males and younger individuals. The rate of severe VI was 9.1% (95% CI: 8.8-10.6) and was higher among males (11.6%) and those 350 years (12.3%). There could be 880 people with bilateral SVI in the study area. Bilateral severe VI was attributed to cataracts in 63% and was attributed to refractive error in 18%., Conclusion: Visual impairment and blindness in the study population was low and mainly due to cataract and refractive errors. Initiatives should be addressed by health care services to further reduce avoidable blindness in the region.

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in developing countries and identification of the barriers to accessing treatment is essential for developing appropriate public healthcare interventions. To evaluate the barriers to cataract surgery after diagnosis and assess the postoperative outcomes in Sao Paolo State, Brazil., Methods: This prospective study evaluated cataract patients from 13 counties in São Paulo State in 2014. Cataract was diagnosed in the community by a mobile ophthalmic unit and patients were referred to a hospital for management. Gender, age, distance to the hospital and local municipal health structure were evaluated as possible barriers. Data were analyzed for postoperative outcomes and the impact on blindness and visual impairment., Results: Six hundred patients were diagnosed with cataract with a mean age of 68.8±10.3 years and 374 (62.3%) were females. Two hundred and fifty-four (42.3%) patients presented to the referral hospital. One hundred forty-four (56.7%) underwent surgery, 56 (22.0%) decided not to undergo surgery, 40 (15.7%) required only YAG-Laser and 14 (5.5%) required a spectacle prescription only. Visual acuity increased statistically significantly from 1.07±0.73 logMAR at presentation to 0.25±0.41 logMAR at the final visit after intraocular lens implantation (p=0.000). There was a statistically significantly decrease from 17 (11.8%) blind patients and 55 (38.2%) visually impaired patients at presentation to 2 (1.4%) and 5 (3.5%) patients respectively after treatment (p=0.000)., Conclusion: Less than half of the individuals with cataract presented to the hospital for surgery. Among the patients who underwent treatment, there was an overall decrease in the number of blind individuals and visually impaired individuals. The barriers to cataract surgery were older age, greater distance to the hospital, municipalities with fewer inhabitants and less ophthalmic services.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate 2 agents used during retrobular injections to relieve pain in blind eyes., Methods: This masked prospective randomized study compared retrobulbar injections for blind painful eyes that were divided into 2 groups: eyes in group 1 (G-I) received 1.5 mL of absolute alcohol (ethanol) and those in group 2 (G-II) received 1.5 mL of chlorpromazine (25 mg/mL). The pain was graded before, during, and after intervention using a verbal numeric visual analog scale. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and adverse events were also recorded. Complete success was defined as no pain after injection. Treatment failures were classified as further intervention (evisceration-enucleation) or no change in visual analog scale pain scores., Results: Both groups included 16 patients each. Complete success was achieved in 7 of 16 (43.7%) patients in G-I and in 6 of 16 (37.5%) in G-II. The failure rate was 5 of 16 (31.3%) in G-I and 6 of 16 (37.5%) in G-II. Postoperative adverse events occurred in 33.3% of patients in G-I and 56% of patients in G-II. Transient eyelid edema was more prominent in G-II. Reduction in IOP occurred after injection in both groups. In G-I, IOP decreased from a mean of 24.3 to 14 mm Hg. In G-II, IOP decreased from 27 to 15 mm Hg. Five of the 7 (71.4%) patients with initial IOP>45 mm Hg suffered from severe pain. After injection, only 1 patient with an IOP>27 mm Hg had moderate pain., Conclusions: Retrobulbar alcohol or chlorpromazine decreased IOP and reduced pain in approximately two-thirds of blind painful eyes with few postoperative complications. However, 33% of patients required further intervention to manage pain.

Childhood blindness and visual impairment (CBVI) are major disabilities that compromise the normal development of children. Health resources and practices to prevent CBVI are suboptimal in most countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). We reviewed the magnitude and the etiologies of childhood visual disabilities based on the estimates using socioeconomic proxy indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and <5-year mortality rates. The result of these findings will facilitate novel concepts in addressing and developing services to effectively reduce CBVI in this region. The current study determined the rates of bilateral blindness (defined as  Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)) less than 3/60 in the better eye or a visual field of 10° surrounding central fixation) and functional low vision (FLV) (visual impairment for which no treatment or refractive correction can improve the vision up to >6/18 in a better eye) in children <15 years old. We used the 2011 population projections, <5-year mortality rates and GDP per capita of 23 countries (collectively grouped as EMR). Based on the GDP, we divided the countries into three groups; high, middle- and low-income nations. By applying the bilateral blindness and FLV rates to high, middle- and low-income countries from the global literature to the population of children <15 years, we estimated that there could be 238,500 children with bilateral blindness (rate 1.2/1,000) in the region. In addition, there could be approximately 417,725 children with FLV (rate of 2.1/1,000) in the region. The causes of visual disability in the three groups are also discussed based on the available data. As our estimates are based on hospital and blind school studies in the past, they could have serious limitations for projecting the present magnitude and causes of visual disabilities in children of EMR. An effective approach to eye health care and screening for children within primary health care and with the available resources are discussed. The objectives, strategies, and operating procedures for child eye-care are presented. Variables impacting proper screening are discussed. To reach the targets, we recommend urgent implementation of new approaches to low vision and rehabilitation of children.

Background: A community based survey for Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) was conducted in the high (TT >5% in 1997) and meso endemic areas (TT 1% to 5% in 1997) of Oman during 2008-09., Methods: Investigators examined Omanis 40 age years and older from randomly selected villages. Eyes were examined for TT and vision. The medical history of surgery and advice given for TT surgery were recorded. The TT cases that were unadvised by health staff were defined as un-approached cases. Cluster adjusted prevalence of TT and risk of TT by gender were estimated., Result: We examined 4,951 of 5,268 persons in high-endemic areas and 965 of 993 (97.2%) persons in meso-endemic areas. The cluster adjusted prevalence of TT in the high and meso endemic areas were 7.54% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 6.78-8.30) and 1.69% (95% CI 0.88-2.50) respectively. There were 5 TT patients in high endemic areas and none in meso-endemic areas who were not approached or managed in the past. The prevalence of TT across all ages was less than 1 per 1,000 of the population in all wilayats of Oman. Females had a significantly higher risk of cluster adjusted TT compared to males (Odds Ratio = 1.87 [95% CI 1.85-1.89]). The prevalence of blindness was 0.5% among TT cases in high endemic areas., Conclusion: Oman seems to have reached the Ultimate Intervention Goals (UIGs) of the "S" (Surgery) component in 2008 in high and meso-endemic areas. The efforts of existing eye services could be better evaluated if un-approached TT cases are used to calculate the TT prevalence. Oman needs to focus more on females with TT to reach the UIGs.

Background: Rapid Assessment for the Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) was conducted in Qatar during 2009. We present the prevalence and determinants of visual disabilities and status of cataract among citizens aged 50 years and older., Methods: Residents of randomly selected houses and clusters participated in the survey. Opticians noted the presenting and the best corrected vision of participants from 49 clusters. Ophthalmologists examined participants with additional instruments like bio-microscope, digital camera, auto-perimeter and auto-refractor in a mobile van. World Health Organization recommended principal cause of blindness (Visual acuity [VA] < 3/60 in better eye), Severe visual impairment (SVI) (<6/60), low vision (VA < 6/18) and unilateral blindness (VA < 3/60) were designated. Persons with VA < 6/18 and cataract were interviewed to calculate coverage and barriers for cataract surgeries. Age sex adjusted prevalence of visual disabilities and their 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were estimated., Results: We examined 2,433 (97.3%) participants. The age sex adjusted prevalence of bilateral blindness was 1.28% [95% CI 1.22-1.35], SVI (1.67%), low vision (3.66%) and unilateral blindness (3.61%) in 50 years and older population. Female and older age groups were significant risk factors of visual disabilities. Cataract and glaucoma were the main causes of visual disabilities. The coverage of cataract services was 68.2%. Believing that cataract as an aging process (25) and adequate vision in the fellow eye (15) were the reasons for delay in surgery., Conclusions: To reduce avoidable blindness, un-operated cataract should be addressed. Primary and secondary eye care systems should be strengthened to improve the care of blinding eye diseases in Qatar.

Aim: We conducted a survey in 2005 to estimate the prevalence and determinants of visual and hearing impairment in a population aged 60 years and above, from the Nizwa Wilayat of Oman. We also correlated them with major bone fracture., Study Design: Cross-sectional survey., Materials and Methods: Vision was tested on Snellen's 'E' chart. Persons with vision less than 20/200 were reexamined by an ophthalmologist to find cause of impairment. Hearing was tested by a screening audiometer. Self-reported information on fracture of major bones was confirmed by review of case records. The prevalence, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and number of visually impaired individuals were calculated., Statistical Analysis: Univariate method and parametric tests were used for analysis., Results: We examined 1,639 (80.3%) Omani persons aged 60 years and above. The prevalence of blindness (vision less than 20/200 in the better eye) was 37.4% (95% CI 35.7-39.1). Blindness was significantly higher in females (Odd's Ratio = 2.1) but was similar in urban and rural Nizwa (OR = 0.73). The prevalence of vision impairment (20/60 to 10/200) was 36.0% (95% CI 34.3-37.7). Cataract was the principal cause in 50% of the blind. The prevalence of glaucoma, corneal opacity, and chronic trachoma was 3.1%, 66.8%, and 53.2%, respectively. Among participants, 36.1% had diabetes. Hearing impairment was noted in 33.5% and profound hearing loss was noted in 3.6% of participants. In the past year, 1.4% of participants had a major bone fracture., Conclusion: Visual and hearing impairment and blinding eye diseases were common among senior Omani citizens.

Background: Since 1996, vision screening of three to six-year-old children is conducted every year in Iran. We present outcomes of project review held in August 2006., Materials and Methods: Kindergarten teachers examined vision by using Snellen's illiterate 'E' chart. They used torchlight to detect strabismus. On a repeat test, if either eye had vision < 20/30, the child was referred to the optometrist. A pediatric ophthalmologist examined and managed children with strabismus or amblyopia. Provincial managers supervised the screening program. The evaluator team assessed the coverage, yield, quality and feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of vision screening, as well as magnitude of amblyopia, and its risk factors., Result: In 2005, 1.4 million (67%) children were examined in all provinces of Iran. Opticians examined 90,319 (61%) children with defective vision that were referred to them. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error, strabismus and amblyopia was 3.82% (95% CI 3.79 - 3.85), 0.39% (95% CI 0.38 - 0.40) and 1.25% (95% CI 1.24 - 1.26) respectively. Validity test of 7,768 children had a sensitivity of 74.5% (95% CI 72.7 - 76.3) and specificity of 97.2% (95% CI 96.7 - 97.7). The cost of amblyopia screening was US $ 1.5 per child. While the cost of screening and treating one child with amblyopia was US $ 245., Conclusion: A review of the vision screening of children in Iran showed it with screening and useful exercise and had a yield of 1:21. The coverage of vision screening was low and the management of children with amblyopia, low vision and refractive error needed strengthening.

Purpose: The data from surveys of vision loss and monitoring of services were used to assess changes in gender inequality in Oman., Study Design: Retrospective review of data collection instruments., Materials and Method: The data sets of 12 years between 1996 and 2007 were abstracted to assess the gender equality for vision loss, eye disease prevalence, and service use. They included two surveys (1996 and 2005), Health Information from eye units (1998 and 2007), and eye screening in schools., Results: In 1996, the prevalence of bilateral blindness in > or = 40 years of age was higher in females [Odd's Ratio (OR) = 0.36 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.24 - 0.53)]. Gender differences in the prevalence of cataract [OR = 0.82 (95% CI 0.63 - 1.03)] were not significant while trachomatous trichaisis (TT) was less in males [OR = 0.33 (95% CI 0.22-0.48)]. In 2005, gender differences in the prevalence of bilateral blindness [OR = 0.97 (95% CI 0.71 - 1.34)] and TT [OR = 0.66 (95% CI 0.42- 1.04)] were not statistically significant.But males were associated with higher prevalence of cataract [OR = 1.26 (95% CI 1.00 - 1.59)]. Surgery rates for cataract, glaucoma and TT were not different by gender. More male compared to female patients with diabetic retinopathy were treated. Myopia was significantly higher in girls. Compliance of spectacle wear was higher in girls., Conclusions: Gender inequality for eye care seems to have reduced in the last 10 years in Oman. However, apart from TT and glaucoma patients the difference in service utilization by gender was not statistically significant.

Purpose: To report the magnitude and causes of unilateral absolute blindness (no light perception) and barriers faced by persons with unilateral blindness in the South Batinah region of Oman., Methods: Between January and June 2002, 12,000 patients were evaluated for visual acuity, ocular pressure, anterior ocular biomicroscopic examination, and posterior segment indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by ophthalmologists at Al Rustaq hospital in Oman. Patients having no perception of light in at least one eye were included in the cohort. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data on the personal profile, history of blindness, barriers perceived as the cause of blindness, and participants' attitude towards eye care and quality of life following visual disability., Results: In the 12,000 patients studied, absolute unilateral blindness (no perception of light) was present in 122 persons, a rate of 1.0% in our series. The onset of blindness was gradual in 78 (63.9%) persons and 64 (54.9%) persons had unilateral blindness for more than 10 years. The main causes of blindness e phthisis/absent/disorganized blind eye, which was present in 64 (52.5%) persons; glaucoma, seen in 49 (40.2%) participants; and corneal opacity, seen in 8 (6.5%) persons. Eighty 4.8%) persons had <3/60 vision in the fellow eye. Thirty (24.6%) persons had cataract and 19 (15.6%) persons glaucoma in the fellow eye. Forty-eight (39.3%) persons had undergone cataract surgeries while 2 (1.6%) persons were operated for glaucoma in the fellow eye. Lack of access to ophthalmic services and use of traditional medicines during the onset of blindness were reported by nearly half of the cohort. The attitude towards blindness was negative in two thirds of subjects., Conclusions: Cataract and glaucoma were important determinants of visual impairment in the fellow eyes of this cohort. These patients are at higher risk of developing bilateral impairment and need special care to prevent/treat visual disabilities in the fellow eyes. Using appropriate services, one can attempt attitudinal changes, rehabilitate them, and create a positive attitude towards life.

Background: A review of pediatric cataract cases operated between January 2003 and March 2005 in the tribal belt of central India was carried out., Aim: We present the profile of cataract cases in children

Background: A prevalence survey of blindness and low vision was conducted in Oman in 2005. Here, we present the prevalence and determinants of blindness and low vision among the population >or= 40 years of age. The results are then compared with those of the survey in 1997 and the changes following the 'VISION 2020' initiatives are assessed., Methods: The survey covered 24 randomly selected clusters (75 houses in each). Teams assessed the distance vision of subjects while wearing glasses. The ophthalmologists examined the anterior segment and fundus to determine the causes of disability. The visual field was tested in those suspected of glaucoma. The prevalence rates of blindness (< 3/60 on presentation), legal blindness (< 6/60) and low vision (< 6/18) were calculated. The data from the 1997 survey was then analyzed to obtain similar rates in the population >or= 40 years of age., Results: The prevalence of blindness was 8.25% (95% CI 7.14-9.36) in the >or= 40 year-old population in 2005. The rate would be 6.95% (95% CI 5.92-7.98) if blindness were defined as vision with best possible correction. The prevalence of legal blindness and low vision were 12% and 45.12%, respectively. In the 1997 survey, the prevalence of blindness in same age group was 7.23% (95% CI 5.91-8.55). Between the two surveys, the prevalence of blindness due to corneal pathology declined from 1.9% to 1.1% but that of blindness due to unoperated cataract increased from 1.8% to 2.3%., Conclusions: The rate of disability has declined but the number of blind people has increased in Oman. The causes of blindness have changed from communicable/avoidable eye diseases to non-curable/chronic eye diseases, and the number with visual disabilities has increased. An increasing number of operations for cataract and improvements in the care for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are recommended.

Introduction: A prevalence study was conducted in 2001 as part of the SAFE Trachoma Control initiatives in twelve districts of eight northern provinces of Vietnam. The authors present the magnitude and some risk factors of trachomatous trichiasis (TT), trachomatous scarring (TS) and trachomatous corneal opacity (TCO)., Methods: Ophthalmologists examined 43,677 people of more than 34 years of age, randomly selected. Ophthalmic loupe, torchlight and the trachoma grading card recommended by WHO were used for this examination., Results: The prevalence of TT was 7.31% (95% CI 7.07-7.55) and 382,950 persons with TT were included in the study population. The rate was higher in females (8.92%) than in males (5.35%). The rate was 13.7% in the district of Me Linh in Vinh Phuc province and in the districts of Ha Tay and Khoai Chau in Hung Yen province, while in the districts of Na Ri (Bac Kan province), Cam Xuyen (Ha Tinh province) and Van Yen (Yen Bai province), the prevalence of TT was less than 2%. The TT rate in the plains was 13%, while in mountainous, coastal and delta terrains, the rate fell to 2.4%, 3.5% and 9.4% respectively. The prevalence of TS and TCO was 8.42% (95% CI 8.21-8.61) and 1.1% (95% CI 1.00-1.20) respectively., Conclusion: Although the magnitude of TT is high, the problem of TCO seems to be less serious. The goal of eliminating blinding trachoma from the study area by 2010 represents a big challenge. Based on these survey estimates, the national program could plan resources for the 'S' strategy of trachoma control (surgery for those at immediate risk of blindness).

We carried out a retrospective analytical study of 3525 bilaterally blind people registered in Oman to the end of 2000. We described the examination method, maintenance of the register and analysis of data. Lists of different categories of blind people were distributed to various organizations for management and rehabilitation purposes. The role of the national register in addressing blinding cataract, corneal blindness, eradication of congenital rubella syndrome and care of blind people in Oman was also examined. The register was useful in identifying candidates for rehabilitation and also for monitoring regional efforts to manage curable blindness. This multiple use of the register could make it an important tool for health programme management in Oman.

Aim: To estimate the magnitude and determinants of cataract prevalence and cataract surgical coverage and to evaluate their role in visual disability in Oman., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 11,413 subjects in Oman in 1997. The presence and stage of cataract was noted on the basis of the history and an examination. The patient's phakic, pseudophakic or aphakic status and visual status were determined. The prevalence of cataract and the cataract surgical coverage were estimated. A causal relation was assumed between a backlog of cataract and age, gender and area of residence. The Attributable Risk (AR) and Population Attributable Risk (PAR) for these factors were estimated., Results: The prevalence of cataract was 29.3/1000 (95% CI: 27.76 to 30.84). This was 4.97/1000 (95% CI: 3.68 to 6.26) for blinding cataract (vision < 3/60). The cataract surgery services covered 70.18% (95% CI: 69.52 to 70.84) of the blinding cataracts and 28.76% (95% CI: 28.11 to 29.41) of all cataracts. The AR and PAR of female gender in the cataract backlog were 35.5% and 1.06%, respectively. The AR and PAR of the residents of 'Group B' regions were 40.5% and 1.26%, respectively. The AR and PAR of subjects "less than 60 years old' were 55.6% and 1.66%, respectively. If the gaps in cataract surgery due to gender, regions and age groups were to be filled, the prevalence of cataract could be reduced by 1.06%, 1.21% and 1.66%, respectively., Conclusion: The health program should identify and address the barriers to cataract surgery among identified high-risk groups.

A survey to estimate the magnitude and causes of blindness and hearing loss was undertaken in Oman in 1996-97. An analysis correlating blindness with hearing loss is presented. Twenty-eight subjects among 11,400 examined had double disability, with a prevalence rate of 2.46/1000 (95% CI 1.55-3.36). Females and older age groups had a higher risk of double disability than did males (relative risk (RR) 3.95, 95%, CI 1.34-8.1) and younger age groups (RR 9.91, 95% CI 3.9-21.2). Twenty-five per cent of subjects with double disability had curable blindness, while 33% had preventable blindness. Only 10% of subjects with double disability had curable causes of hearing loss. The number of cases with double disabilities in Oman might decrease, due to the improved healthcare in last two decades. However, the increase in the aging population necessitates intervention to prevent double disability. An emphasis on the prevention of blindness could address the problem more effectively.

Aim: To determine the magnitude and causes of low vision and blindness in the Gurage zone, central Ethiopia., Methods: A cross sectional study using a multistage cluster sampling technique was used to identify the study subjects. Visual acuity was recorded for all adults 40 years and older. Subjects who had a visual acuity of <6/18 were examined by an ophthalmologist to determine the cause of low vision or blindness., Results: From the enumerated population, 2693 (90.8%) were examined. The prevalence of blindness (<3/60 better eye presenting vision) was 7.9% (95% CI 6.9 to 8.9) and of low vision (6/24-3/60 better eye presenting vision) was 12.1% (95% CI 10.9 to 13.3). Monocular blindness was recorded in 16.3% of the population. Blindness and low vision increased with age. The odds of low vision and blindness in women were 1.8 times that of the men. The leading causes of blindness were cataract (46.1%), trachoma (22.9%), and glaucoma (7.6%). While the prevalence of vision reducing cataract increased with age, the prevalence of trachoma related vision loss did not increase with age, suggesting that trichiasis related vision loss in this population might not be cumulative., Conclusion: The magnitude of low vision and blindness is high in this zone and requires urgent intervention, particularly for women. Further investigation of the pattern of vision loss, particularly as a result of trachomatous trichiasis, is warranted.

Aims: To estimate the magnitude and the causes of blindness through a community based nationwide survey in Oman. This was conducted in 1996-7., Methods: A stratified cluster random sampling procedure was used to select 12 400 people. The WHO/PBD standardised survey methodology was used, with suitable adaptation. The major causes of blindness were identified among those found blind., Results: A total of 11 417 people were examined (response rate 91.8%) The prevalence of blindness in the Omani population was estimated to be 1.1% (95% CI 0.9 to 1.3), blindness being defined according to the WHO Tenth Revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Prevalence of blindness was clearly related to increasing age, with estimates of 0.08% for the 0-14 age group, 0.1% for the 15-39 age group, 2.3% for the 40-59 age group, and 16.8% for the group aged 60 +. There was a statistically significant difference between the prevalence in females (1.4%) and males (0.8%). The northern and central regions had a higher prevalence of blindness (1.3% to 3%). The major causes of blindness were unoperated cataract (30.5%), trachomatous corneal opacities (23.7%), and glaucoma (11.5%), Conclusions: Despite an active eye healthcare programme, blindness due to cataract and trachoma remains a public health problem of great concern in several regions of the sultanate. These results highlight the need, when planning effective intervention strategies, to target the eye healthcare programme to the ageing population, with special emphasis on women.

Background : We present a series of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who attended an eye hospital in Sana, Yemen during 2004. Aim: To determine the magnitude and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Design: Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Ophthalmologists assessed vision, ocular pressure, ocular media and posterior segment to note ocular manifestations among patients with DM. DR was graded by using bio-microscope and Volk lens. The prevalence and 95% confidence interval of ocular complications of DM were calculated. Risk factors of DR like age, sex, duration of diabetes and hypertension were evaluated. Statistical a0 nalysis : Univariate and multivariate analysis. Results : Our series comprised 350 patients suffering from DM. The duration of diabetes was ≥15 years in 101 (29%) patients. Physician was treating 108 DM patients with insulin. The prevalence of DR was 55% (95% CI 49.6-60.1). The proportions of background diabetic retinopathy (BDR), preproliferative diabetic retinopathy (PPDR), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema were 20%, 13%, 17% and 22% respectively. The prevalence of blindness among DM patients was 16%. The prevalence of cataract and glaucoma was 34.3% and 8.6%. Duration of DM was the predictor of DR. One-fifth of the patients had sight-threatening DR and needed laser treatment. Conclusions : DR was of public health magnitude among our patients. An organized approach is recommended to address DR in the study area.

Purpose: A community-based survey was conducted in Rajnandangaon district of Chhattisgarh state of central India in 2001 to assess the prevalence of glaucoma in the age group of =35 years. Design: Community-based cross-sectional survey Materials and Methods: Ophthalmologists measured ocular pressure using Perkins applanation tonometer. Best corrected visual acuity was checked by ETDRS chart. After dilating the pupil the fundus was examined. A sketch diagram was drawn to note glaucomatous changes in optic disc and the surrounding retina. The field of vision was tested on Bjerrum screen. Gonioscopy was performed to determine type of glaucoma. Persons and their relatives were interviewed to find out risk factors and glaucoma treatment in the past. Results: Seven thousand four hundred and thirty-eight (87.3%) persons were examined. The age-sex standardized prevalence of glaucoma was 3.68% (95% CI 3.27 to 4.07). Gender variation of glaucoma was not significant. [OR = 1.13 (CI 95% 0.88 to 1.44)] Glaucoma varied significantly by age groups. (χ2 = 48.2, degree of freedom = 3 P < 0.001) Among those patients diagnosed to suffer from glaucoma, the proportion of open angle, closed angle, secondary glaucoma, ocular hypertension and glaucoma suspects was 13.1%, 21.2%, 21.2%, 14.5% and 30% respectively. Different types of visual disabilities were associated with glaucoma. However, unilateral blindness in glaucoma was unusual. Twenty-five per cent of the glaucoma cases were detected for the first time during the survey. Conclusions: The prevalence of glaucoma was high and the angle closure type was more compared to the open angle glaucoma.