The importance of eye health in achieving universal health coverage

India is committed to providing Universal Health Coverage to each of its citizens, but eye health is often overlooked in this mission. Our eyes are the windows to the world and let us experience and interact with nature. Poor eyesight can severely affect many areas of an individual’s life, including education. People frequently screen out diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure yet eye care ends up being left to local opticians resulting in wrong diagnosis or severe eye diseases such as blindness. Therefore, raising awareness is crucial to emphasise the significance of good eyesight for healthy living.

Universal health coverage explained

According to WHO, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) implies that individuals should have access to a complete range of quality health services without suffering financial hardships. This includes promoting good health, treatment and rehabilitation besides palliative care. Eye health comes under UHC, though it does not get enough attention compared to other body parts. As per a 2021 report, more than 27.5 crore Indians suffer from weak vision, which further calls for immediate action. 

The increasing prevalence of childhood myopia

It is not until many problems have become severe that people notice them. This leads to more expensive and complicated treatment procedures. Children’s screen time while playing computer games or watching mobile phones has led to a sharp increase in myopia among them. According to a study conducted at AIIMS, the incidence rates of myopia in children have tripled over the last 10-15 years. In urban areas today, one out of every four children wears lenses, while in rural areas, this happens for one in every seven children as opposed to earlier years.

How can India’s eye health be improved?

Creating awareness

There is a general lack of awareness and access to the best treatments in rural areas and to the people living below the poverty line. Moreover, the geographic distances and financial barriers make it hard for those living in these areas to get specialised eye care services. Thus, campaigns need to be held more often on the importance of eye health and the availability of advanced treatments. These campaigns must also be customised using local languages and culturally relevant messages targeting different community groups. Community outreach programs can educate people about the benefits of regular eye check-ups and the latest technologies to prevent and treat eye diseases. These campaigns should focus on regular eye exams that could identify conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other vision problems early enough to make any treatment more effective and cheaper.

Making eye care accessible

It requires a multifaceted approach to make access to state-of-the-art eye care possible. This can be done easily by taking mobile eye clinics, equipped with diagnostic tools and surgical equipment. Government health departments partnering with private sector healthcare providers and non-governmental organisations can facilitate the creation of eye care centres in underserved regions. Besides that, telemedicine platforms can connect patients to urban specialists for remote consultations and follow-up care.

Financial support

Financial support in the form of subsidies, insurance coverage and low-interest loans for eye surgeries should be put in place to ensure that cost does not hinder access to advanced eye care. Government initiatives and collaborations with international health organisations may provide the necessary finance and resources to support these endeavours. By embracing technology advancement coupled with awareness outreach, India can significantly improve the quality of eye healthcare services across the country. This broader perspective will address all the urgent needs of the people suffering from visual impairments and result in better health among citizens.

Public-private sector collaborations

Improving the eye health of India requires a collaborative approach from both the public and private health sectors. The two can work together by organising free eye camps, especially in rural areas where access to quality eye care is a challenge. In these camps, a general comprehensive eye examination will be done with minor treatments depending on the case. It’s also important to ensure that people living in rural areas can get eye care that’s both affordable and of high quality in big cities. People with severe eye problems in rural areas can be sent to city-based eye care facilities to get top-notch treatments at lower costs. This can be made possible with the help of government programs, non-profit groups, and private efforts that offer financial aid and help with organising. 

Innovative solutions in eye care

Laser-assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a groundbreaking technique for correcting common vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This laser-based method reduces the dangers linked to traditional cutting instruments, such as flap irregularities or buttonholes. The laser’s precision ensures uniform and accurate corneal flaps, leading to fewer complications after surgery and a faster healing time. In addition, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the field of eye care diagnostics by enabling more precise and prompt identification of eye conditions. AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data and spot patterns the human eye might overlook. For example, AI can help detect conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration by scrutinising retinal images with remarkable detail. These technologies provide a more accurate diagnosis, allowing early intervention and better eye health management. AI-driven systems can also streamline the workflow in eye care facilities, improving efficiency and patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The urgent need to prioritise eye health in India cannot be overstated. Regular eye check-ups should become a common practice, ingrained in the nation’s healthcare habits. By doing so, we can ensure early detection and treatment of eye conditions, preventing severe vision loss and improving the overall quality of life for millions of Indians. Let’s commit to fostering a culture of eye health awareness and care, ensuring a clearer and healthier future for all.