Dr Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director-India, Orbis stresses that primary healthcare, often a person’s first point of contact with the healthcare system, should ideally provide preventive eye care services as well. Preventive eye care revolves around a range of interventions aimed at identifying and addressing vision-related issues before they escalate into more severe conditions
One of the most important senses, vision allows us to completely participate in daily activities, learn, work, and navigate the world around us. Yet, for millions across the globe, access to adequate eye care remains elusive. This calls for integration of comprehensive eye care services into primary healthcare systems.
Primary healthcare, often a person’s first point of contact with the healthcare system, should ideally provide preventive eye care services as well. Preventive eye care revolves around a range of interventions aimed at identifying and addressing vision-related issues before they escalate into more severe conditions. Such interventions include regular eye examinations, health education and the provision of affordable eyeglasses. By incorporating these measures into primary healthcare, we can detect and treat visual impairments in their early stages, preventing avoidable blindness and reducing the burden on tertiary care facilities.
Early detection is indispensable
Many eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, progress asymptomatically in their initial stages. By the time symptoms become noticeable, irreversible damage may have already occurred. Integrating eye screenings into routine primary healthcare visits ensures that potential issues are identified promptly. Early detection allows for timely intervention, preserving vision and thus enhancing the quality of life.
Awareness: The catalyst for effective preventive measures
To work on preventive eye care, one needs to be educated about it. Communities often lack knowledge about the importance of regular eye examinations and protecting their eyes from environmental hazards. The need of the hour is to integrate eye care into primary healthcare systems. This way healthcare professionals can serve as a valuable channel for disseminating information on eye health thereby emphasising the significance of adequate eye protection. A balanced diet and refraining from habits like smoking can act as a preventive measure against eye ailments. Therefore, awareness is important because an informed person is better equipped to take proactive steps in maintaining their eye health.
Timely intervention in the form of eyeglasses can save eyesight
Affordable eyeglasses are another vital aspect of preventive eye care. It is an effective tool to correct refractive errors. However, affordable eyeglasses are not accessible to all. By integrating optometry services into primary healthcare, those in need of eyeglasses can receive them. This can address refractive errors and reduce the negative outcomes of poor vision such as productivity loss.
Incorporating eye care into primary healthcare also fosters equity and inclusivity. Vision impairment disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and those with low socioeconomic status. By making eye care services available at the primary healthcare level, we can remove barriers to access and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can receive the care they need.
Integrating comprehensive eye care services into primary healthcare is not merely an option; it is a necessity. Preventive eye care plays a crucial role in preserving vision, enhancing well-being and promoting equity. By bridging the visual gap through primary healthcare, we can prevent avoidable suffering, reduce healthcare costs and empower people to lead fuller and more productive lives.
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