Cataracts.

94 million people are blind or visually impaired globally, and cataract is the most common cause of blindness worldwide. However, most cases of blindness are avoidable. Cataract is associated with decreased quality of life and reduced life expectancy. Most cases of cataract occur after birth and share ageing and oxidative stress as primary causes, although several non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors can accelerate cataract formation. In most patients, phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation is the preferred treatment and is highly cost-effective. There has been an increase in the use of comprehensive cataract surgical services, including diagnoses, treatment referrals, and rehabilitation. However, global inequity in surgical service quality is still a limitation. Implementation of preoperative risk assessment, risk reduction strategies, and new surgical technologies have made cataract surgery possible at an earlier stage of cataract severity with the expectation of good refractive outcomes. The main challenge is making the service that is currently available to some patients accessible to all by use of universal health coverage.

Potential Involvements of Cilia-Centrosomal Genes in Primary Congenital Glaucoma.

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) occurs in children due to developmental abnormalities in the trabecular meshwork and anterior chamber angle. Previous studies have implicated rare variants in CYP1B1, LTBP2, and TEK and their interactions with MYOC, FOXC1, and PRSS56 in the genetic complexity and clinical heterogeneity of PCG. Given that some of the gene-encoded proteins are localized in the centrosomes (MYOC) and perform ciliary functions (TEK), we explored the involvement of a core centrosomal protein, CEP164, which is responsible for ocular development and regulation of intraocular pressure. Deep sequencing of CEP164 in a PCG cohort devoid of homozygous mutations in candidate genes (n = 298) and controls (n = 1757) revealed CEP164 rare pathogenic variants in 16 cases (5.36%). Co-occurrences of heterozygous alleles of CEP164 with other genes were seen in four cases (1.34%), and a physical interaction was noted for CEP164 and CYP1B1 in HEK293 cells. Cases of co-harboring alleles of the CEP164 and other genes had a poor prognosis compared with those with a single copy of the CEP164 allele. We also screened INPP5E, which synergistically interacts with CEP164, and observed a lower frequency of pathogenic variants (0.67%). Our data suggest the potential involvements of CEP164 and INPP5E and the yet unexplored cilia-centrosomal functions in PCG pathogenesis.

The case for investment in eye health: systematic review and economic modelling analysis.

Objective: To assess how the returns on investment from correcting refractive errors and cataracts in low- and middle-income countries compare with the returns from other global development interventions. Methods: We adopted two complementary approaches to estimate benefit-cost ratios from eye health investment. First, we systematically searched PubMed® and Web of Science™ on 14 August 2023 for studies conducted in low-and-middle-income countries, which have measured welfare impacts associated with correcting refractive errors and cataracts. Using benefit-cost analysis, we compared these impacts to costs. Second, we employed an economic modelling analysis to estimate benefit-cost ratios from eye health investments in India. We compared the returns from eye health to returns in other domains across global health and development. Findings: We identified 21 studies from 10 countries. Thirteen outcomes highlighted impacts from refractive error correction for school students. From the systematic review, we used 17 out of 33 outcomes for benefit-cost analyses, with the median benefit-cost ratio being 36. The economic modelling approach for India generated benefit-cost ratios ranging from 28 for vision centres to 42 for school eye screening, with an aggregate ratio of 31. Comparing our findings to the typical investment in global development shows that eye health investment returns six times more benefits (median benefit-cost ratio: 36 vs 6). Conclusion: Eye health investments provide economic benefits with varying degrees based on the intervention type and location. Our findings underline the importance of incorporating eye health initiatives into broader development strategies for substantial societal returns.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Rim Area Profiles in Asians: Pooled Analysis from the Asian Eye Epidemiology Consortium.

PURPOSE: To evaluate ethnic variations, ocular and systemic determinants of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and neuroretinal rim area among Asians using a large consortium of population-based eye studies. DESIGN: Cross-sectional pooled analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two thousand four hundred thirty-six participants (22 436 eyes) from 10 population-based studies (in China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Russia, and Singapore) of the Asian Eye Epidemiology Consortium. METHODS: Participants 40 years of age or older without glaucoma were included. All participants underwent spectral-domain OCT imaging and systemic and ocular examinations. Data were pooled from each study. Multivariable regression was performed to evaluate interethnic differences, intermachine variations, and ocular and systemic factors associated with RNFL thickness and rim area, adjusting for age, gender, diabetes, intraocular pressure (IOP), spherical equivalent (SE), ethnicity, OCT model, and study group. When evaluating body mass index, smoking, and hypertension as exposures, these factors were additionally adjusted for in the model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Average RNFL thickness (in micrometers) and rim area (in square millimeters). RESULTS: Indian and Japanese eyes have thinner RNFLs than those of other Asian ethnicities (ß values range, 7.31-12.76 µm; P < 0.001 for all pairwise comparisons). Compared with measurements by Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc), RNFL on average was 7.29 µm thicker when measured by Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering), 12.85 µm thicker when measured by RS-3000 (NIDEK Co, Ltd), and 17.48 µm thicker when measured by iVue/RTVue (Optovue, Inc) devices (all P < 0.001). Additionally, older age (per decade, ß = -2.70), diabetes (ß = -0.72), higher IOP (per 1 mmHg, ß = -0.07), more myopic SE (per diopter, ß = -1.13), cardiovascular disease (ß = -0.94), and hypertension (ß = -0.68) were associated with thinner RNFL (all P ≤ 0.003). Similarly, older age (ß = -0.019), higher IOP (ß = -0.010), and more myopic SE (ß = -0.025) were associated with smaller rim area (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this large pooled analysis of Asian population studies, Indian and Japanese eyes were observed to have thinner RNFL profiles. These findings suggest the need for an ethnic-specific normative database to improve glaucoma detection.

Uncorrected refractive errors for distance among the residents in 'homes for the aged' in South India-The Hyderabad Ocular Morbidity in Elderly Study (HOMES).

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Uncorrected Refractive Errors (URE) for distance in elderly residents in 'homes for the aged' in Hyderabad, India. METHODS: Individuals aged ≥60 years and residing in 'homes for the aged' in Hyderabad, India for a minimum of 1 month and providing consent for participation were recruited. All participants underwent visual acuity assessment, refraction, slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, fundus examination, and retinal imaging. Monocular presenting visual acuity was recorded using a logMAR chart. Objective and subjective refraction were performed, and best-corrected visual acuity was recorded. URE was defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/12 but improving to 6/12 or better with refraction. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the risk factors associated with URE. RESULTS: In total, 1 513 elderly participants were enumerated from 41 homes of which 1 182 participants (78.1%) were examined. The mean age of participants was 75.0 years (standard deviation 8.8 years; range: 60-108 years). 35.4% of those examined were men and 20.3% had no formal education. The prevalence of URE was 13.5% (95% CI: 11.5-15.5; n = 159). On applying multiple logistic regression analysis, compared to those living in private homes, the odds of URE were significantly higher among the elderly living in the aided homes (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.11-2.43) and free homes (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.00-2.80). As compared to those who reported having an eye examination in the last 3 years, the odds of URE were higher among those who never had an eye examination in the last three years (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.07-2.14). Similarly, those who had unilateral cataract surgery (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.10-2.93) or bilateral cataract surgery (1.69; 95% CI: 1.10-2.56) had higher odds of URE compared to those elderly who were not operated for cataract. Gender, self-report of diabetes, and education were not associated with URE. CONCLUSIONS: A large burden of URE was found among the residents in the 'homes for the aged' in Hyderabad, India which could be addressed with a pair of glasses. Over 40% of the residents never had an eye examination in the last three years, which indicates poor utilisation of eye care services by the elderly. Regular eye examinations and provision of spectacles are needed to address needless URE for distance among the elderly in residential care in India.

Angiopoietin receptor TEK interacts with CYP1B1 in primary congenital glaucoma.

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a severe autosomal recessive ocular disorder associated with considerable clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Recently, rare heterozygous alleles in the angiopoietin receptor-encoding gene TEK were implicated in PCG. We undertook this study to ascertain the second mutant allele in a large cohort (n = 337) of autosomal recessive PCG cases that carried heterozygous TEK mutations. Our investigations revealed 12 rare heterozygous missense mutations in TEK by targeted sequencing. Interestingly, four of these TEK mutations (p.E103D, p.I148T, p.Q214P, and p.G743A) co-occurred with three heterozygous mutations in another major PCG gene CYP1B1 (p.A115P, p.E229K, and p.R368H) in five families. The parents of these probands harbored either of the heterozygous TEK or CYP1B1 alleles and were asymptomatic, indicating a potential digenic mode of inheritance. Furthermore, we ascertained the interactions of TEK and CYP1B1 by co-transfection and pull-down assays in HEK293 cells. Ligand responsiveness of the wild-type and mutant TEK proteins was assessed in HUVECs using immunofluorescence analysis. We observed that recombinant TEK and CYP1B1 proteins interact with each other, while the disease-associated allelic combinations of TEK (p.E103D)::CYP1B1 (p.A115P), TEK (p.Q214P)::CYP1B1 (p.E229K), and TEK (p.I148T)::CYP1B1 (p.R368H) exhibit perturbed interaction. The mutations also diminished the ability of TEK to respond to ligand stimulation, indicating perturbed TEK signaling. Overall, our data suggest that interaction of TEK and CYP1B1 contributes to PCG pathogenesis and argue that TEK-CYP1B1 may perform overlapping as well as distinct functions in manifesting the disease etiology.

Near visual impairment and spectacle coverage in Telangana, India.

IMPORTANCE: The study highlights the burden of near visual impairment (NVI) in India. BACKGROUND: NVI is a common condition that can be addressed through provision of spectacles. The study aims to assess the prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage among those aged ≥40 years in south Indian state of Telangana. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study using a rapid assessment methodology. PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand one hundred forty participants enumerated from 123 clusters in two districts and have presenting distance visual acuity of ≥6/18 in the better eye. METHODS: Presenting near vision was assessed binocularly at a fixed distance of 40 cm using a log MAR chart with tumbling E optotypes in ambient lighting conditions. If the presenting near vision was worse than 6/12 (log MAR 0.3), then it was re-assessed with addition lens appropriate to the age. NVI was defined as binocular presenting near vision worse than 6/12. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 51.1 years (standard deviation: 9.3 years), and 46.5% (n = 2392) were women. About 80% (n = 4142) of them had no education, and 21.9% (n = 1126) were using spectacles for near vision. Nearly half of the participants were from Adilabad district (n = 2665). The prevalence of NVI was 58.3% (95% confidence interval: 56.9-59.6). NVI was associated with older age groups, male gender and no education. The spectacle coverage was 26.5%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: NVI is common in rural Telangana with low spectacle coverage. Service delivery programs should use a multi-pronged approach to address the burden of NVI.

Longitudinal Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study: rationale, study design and research methodology.

BACKGROUND: The rationale, objectives, study design and procedures for the longitudinal Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study are described. DESIGN: A longitudinal cohort study was carried out. PARTICIPANTS: Participants include surviving cohort from the rural component of Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study. METHODS: During 1996-2000, Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Survey was conducted in three rural (n = 7771) and one urban (n = 2522) areas (now called Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 1). In 2009-2010, a feasibility exercise (Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 2) for a longitudinal study (Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 3) was undertaken in the rural clusters only, as urban clusters no longer existed. In Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 3, a detailed interview will be carried out to collect data on sociodemographic factors, ocular and systemic history, risk factors, visual function, knowledge of eye diseases and barriers to accessing services. All participants will also undergo a comprehensive eye examination including photography of lens, optic disc and retina, Optic Coherence Tomography of the posterior segment, anthropometry, blood pressure and frailty measures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures include estimates of the incidence of visual impairment and age-related eye disease (lens opacities, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration) and the progression of eye disease (lens opacities and myopia) and associated risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 7771 respondents examined in rural areas in Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 1, 5447 (70.1%) participants were traced in Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 2. These participants will be re-examined. CONCLUSIONS: Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 3 will provide data on the incidence and progression of visual impairment and major eye diseases and their associated risk factors in India. The study will provide further evidence to aid planning eye care services.

Prevalence of spectacles use in Andhra Pradesh, India: rapid assessment of visual impairment project.

BACKGROUND: To assess the prevalence and patterns of spectacles use in South India state of Andhra Pradesh. DESIGN: A population-based cross sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Seven thousand eight hundred subjects aged ≥40 years, sampled from one urban and two locations. METHODS: Two-stage cluster random sampling method was used to enumerate 7800 subjects. Distance visual acuity and near vision were assessed. A questionnaire was used to collect information on current and previous use of spectacles, spectacles providers and type of spectacles. Among those who discontinued use of spectacles, the reasons were elicited. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of spectacles use and spectacle coverage. RESULTS: In total, 7378/7800 subjects (95.0%) were examined. Among those examined, 53.6% were female, 49.5% of them aged between 40 and 49 years, and 62% of them had no education. The overall prevalence of spectacles use was 29.5% (95% confidence interval 28.5-30.4), 30.3% (95% confidence interval 29.0-31.6) in rural area compared with 27.9% (95% confidence interval 26.1-29.7) (P < 0.05) in urban location. Bifocals (72.8%) were the most common type of spectacles. Private eye clinics were the leading spectacles provider in all three regions. On applying multiple logistic regression, the odds of spectacles use increased with increasing age and were significantly higher for rural residents and those with higher levels of education. The spectacle coverage was 38.0% and 27% for refractive errors and presbyopia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although prevalence of spectacles use is moderate, the spectacle coverage for both refractive errors and presbyopia is low. The strategies are required to improve the spectacle coverage in the region.

Effective Cataract Surgical Coverage in Four Large Districts in Telangana, India - Results from Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment Study.

PURPOSE: To report cataract surgical coverage (CSC) and effective Cataract Surgical Coverage (eCSC) from four districts in Telangana, India. METHODS: Individuals aged ≥40 years were recruited from Adilabad, Mahbubnagar, Warangal and Khammam districts using two stage cluster sampling methodology. All participants had detailed eye examinations including visual acuity assessment using a standard Snellen chart at a distance of six meters, anterior segment examination and fundus imaging by trained professionals. CSC and eCSC were calculated for persons using a 6/12 visual acuity cut-off. RESULTS: Of 12,150 individuals enumerated from four districts 11,238 (92.5%) were examined. The mean (standard deviation) age of the participants was 54.1 (±11.2) years (range: 40 to 102 years) and 54.6% (n = 6137) were women. Overall, the CSC (%) was 54.2%. It ranged from a highest of 59% in Khammam followed by 57.5% in Adilabad, 51.7% in Warangal, and a least of 49.7% in Mahbubnagar district. Overall, the eCSC (%) was 39.9%. It ranged from a highest of 46.1% in Adilabad followed by 43.2% in Khammam, 36.2% in Warangal district and a least of 35.8% in the Mahbubnagar district. CONCLUSIONS: CSC and eCSC varied across the districts. A significant gap between CSC and eCSC is noted suggestive of challenges with quality of services. District-wise planning of cataract surgical services with a focus on quality care is recommended to improve coverage and contribute towards achieving the goal of universal eye health coverage in the Telangana State in India.

Vision impairment and access to eye care in an integrated network of eye care system in Southern and Eastern India.

PURPOSE: The World Report on Vision highlights that health information systems (HIS) should collect information on the determinants of eye conditions and vision impairment (VI) as a step toward integrated people-centered eye care (IPEC). Thus, this retrospective study aims to elucidate VI trends across age and gender of the patients who visited our centres in southern and eastern India. METHODS: Electronic medical records of all new patients who visited the network were included. VI was defined as visual acuity less than 6/12; unilateral VI was based on the worse presenting eye (the other eye being normal), and bilateral VI was based on the better eye. "Total VI" includes both unilateral and bilateral VI. RESULTS: The records of 7,31,307 patients from January to December 2019 were extracted. Males were 54%. The mean age was 40 years (SD: 19.16 years). The majority of patients (46.54%) visited a primary care centre. Centres in Andhra Pradesh saw the largest number of patients (46%). Approximately 65% of all patients presented had no VI in either eye. Total VI was 23.5% at the primary-centre level and approximately 45% at other levels, the highest being in Odisha. More females accessed care at primary and secondary centres (46.6%) than at higher levels of care (44%). Odisha had the lowest number of females accessing care (43.01%). CONCLUSION: Non-visually impairing conditions form an important reason for patients visiting our eye care facilities. Strategies focusing on improving access to eye care for females should be planned at all levels, especially in Odisha.

Barriers to uptake of referral services from secondary eye care to tertiary eye care and its associated determinants in L V Prasad Eye Institute network in Southern India: A cross-sectional study-Report II.

AIM: To investigate the barriers to the uptake of referral services from secondary care centers (SC) to a higher-level tertiary care center (TC) in Southern India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mahabubnagar district of Telangana, India, between February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 and all those referred from SC to TC between January 1, 2013 to December 30, 2016 were identified for interview. Based on inclusion criteria, of the 960 participants identified, 681 (70.9%) participated in the study. A validated study questionnaire was administered to all participants. Information collected were the demographic details, details related to their referral and barriers to referral. The participants that presented at TC were considered compliant and who did not, were non-compliant. Reasons for non-compliance was also collected. RESULTS: The mean age those interviewed was 46.1 years (SD: 17.3 years) and 429 (63%) were males and 252 (37%) were females. Overall, 516 (75.8%) were compliant, and 165 (24.2%) were non-compliant. The major factors for non-compliance were economic (16.4%) and attitudinal (44.2%) barriers. Within the attitudinal barrier category, the most prevalent individual attitudinal barriers were 'too busy to go to the eye center for treatment (16.4%)'and 'able to manage routine daily activities with current vision (12.1%)'. The multivariable analysis showed that the non-compliant participants had only visited the SC once prior to the referral (odds ratio: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.43-5.57) (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Participants with only one SC visit, were less likely to comply with referrals and the major barriers to compliance were economical and attitudinal. It is important to address these specific barriers to provide proper counseling to participants during referrals.

Near vision impairment and effective refractive error coverage for near vision in Andhra Pradesh, India - The Akividu Visual Impairment Study (AVIS).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Near Vision Impairment (NVI) is common in developing countries. A substantial proportion of NVI can be addressed by providing spectacles. Innovative eye care programmes are needed to address NVI. Population-based epidemiological studies can provide vital data to plan such eye care service delivery models. BACKGROUND: To report the prevalence of NVI and effective Refractive Error Coverage (eREC) for near vision in West Godavari and Krishna districts in Andhra Pradesh, south India. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out using a Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment methodology. Presenting and pinhole distance visual acuity were assessed followed by near vision assessment using a N notation chart at a fixed distance of 40 cm. If the presenting near vision was worse than N8, the best corrected near visual acuity was recorded with age appropriate near vision correction. NVI was defined as presenting near vision worse than N8 among those without distance vision impairment (6/18 or better in the better eye). Effective Refractive Error Coverage for near was calculated as the proportion of individuals with an adequate correction to the total participants, including those with inadequate, adequate, and no correction for near vision. RESULTS: Data of 2,228 participants aged ≥40 years were analysed. The mean age of these participants was 54.0 ± 10.4 years; 53.8% were women; 44.5% had no formal education. The prevalence of NVI was 27.1% (95% CI: 25.2-29.0%). NVI significantly associated with 70 and above age group (adjusted OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.45-3.70). Participants with formal education had lower odds for NVI (adjusted OR: 0.75; 95 % CI: 0.68-0.83). The eREC for near vision was 48.0%. CONCLUSION: NVI affects over a quarter of people aged ≥40 years in the West Godavari and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh. However, eREC is under 50% and there is scope for improving this by establishing eye care services to achieve universal eye health for all.

Effective refractive error coverage and spectacle coverage among school children in Telangana, South India.

BACKGROUND: Uncorrected refractive error (URE) is one of the leading causes of childhood vision impairment. Increasing effective refractive error coverage (e-REC) is one of the main indicators of WHO's 2030 global eye health targets. The aim of this study is to estimate the e-REC and spectacle coverage among school children in Telangana, South India. METHODS: School children aged 4-15 years in the study locations underwent vision screening using 6/12 tumbling E optotype by trained community eye health workers in the schools. Those failing the initial vision screening and/or found to be having eye conditions were referred to a nearby referral centre appropriately, where they underwent detailed eye examination. RESULTS: A total of 774,184 children were screened in schools of which 51.49% were boys. The mean age was 9.40 ± 3.27 years. The prevalence of URE was 1.44% (95%CI:1.41-1.46) of which myopia was 1.38% (95%CI: 1.35-1.41). In multivariate analysis, the risk of myopia was higher among older children (Adj.OR: 17.04; 95%CI: 14.64-19.85), those residing in urban areas (Adj.OR:3.05, 95%CI:2.60-3.57), those with disabilities (Adj.OR:2.61, 95%CI:2.00-3.39) and among girls (Adj.OR:1.30, 95%CI:1.25-1.35) (P < 0.001). The overall e-REC was 56.97% and the spectacle coverage was 62.83%. CONCLUSION: The need for interventions to improve e-REC to achieve 2030 global eye health target is eminent among children in this region. Improving refractive services through school eye health programs could aid in accelerating this process to achieve the target. Myopia being the most common type of RE, the risk factors included increasing age, urban location, and presence of disability.

Universal eye screening: perinatal risk factors and ocular abnormalities in 1795 newborns not meeting retinopathy of prematurity criteria.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the ocular outcomes of universal eye screening in newborns and assess the relationship between different perinatal risk factors and various ocular abnormalities in infants who do not meet the criteria for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening. METHODS: An universal eye screening questionnaire was utilised to screen newborn babies who did not meet the ROP screening criteria within 72 h of birth at a public and private hospital between June 2016 and April 2018. The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, neonatal history, and eye examination findings. A trained retina specialist conducted comprehensive anterior and posterior segment examinations utilising a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope. RESULTS: Out of the 1795 newborns screened, 55.2% were male, and 44.8% were female. The most prevalent ocular abnormality observed was retinal haemorrhage (RH), with a prevalence of 10.64% (95% CI: 9.25-12.16%). The prevalence of non-RH abnormality was 7.5% (95% CI: 6.34-8.84%). The retinal haemorrhages were associated with normal vaginal deliveries (OR: 9.91; 95% CI: 6.71-14.64, p-value < 0.001), while non-RH abnormalities were associated with pre-term babies (OR: 4.87; 95% CI: 3.03-7.83, p < 0.001), consanguinity (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.28-3.8, p < 0.001), low birth weight (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.14-0.34, p < 0.001) and systemic abnormalities (OR: 3.08; 95% CI: 1.94-4.91, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sight-threatening ocular pathology in newborns may be linked to perinatal risk factors such as preterm birth, low birth weight, consanguinity, and systemic abnormalities. Accordingly, it may be prudent to consider specialized ocular screening protocols for neonates within this high-risk cohort in future prospective studies.

Eye health knowledge, attitude, and practice among special school managers and barriers to eye health programmes in special schools in Hyderabad, India.

BACKGROUND: Children with special education needs (SEN) are at high risk of developing vision problems. In India, there is no data available on the awareness level of eye health needs of children with SEN among special school managers (SSM) and on the barriers to providing eye care for these children in schools. This study aimed to identify the awareness level among SSM and the barriers to organizing School Eye Health (SEH) programmes in special schools, as reported by the eye health program organizers. METHODS: A mixed-method study was conducted between July and August 2020 among SSM and eye health programme organizers from a local eye care provider in Hyderabad, India. SSM participants completed an online questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning the eye health needs of children with SEN. Quantitative responses were described with summary statistics. Qualitative interviews with eye health programme organizers were conducted via telephone, and transcripts were thematically analysed. Results: In total, 13/67 (19.4%) invited SSM participated and 2/4 invited eye health programme organizers (50%) were interviewed. Among the SSM participants, 92.3% were aware of vision impaired (VI) children in their schools. Awareness of potential causes of VI ranged from 53.9%-92.3%, common eye conditions ranged from 7.7%-69.2%, and difficulties experienced by children with SEN in classroom activities ranged from 46.2%-76.9%. Only 30.8% of the special schools organized SEH programmes at least once a year. Eye health programme organizers reported barriers, such as a lack of interest from SSM, unavailability of qualified screening staff, and a lack of provision for spectacles and low-vision devices. CONCLUSION: This study identified varied levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of SSM related to the eye health needs of children with SEN. Key barriers to conducting SEH programmes included a lack of demand, inadequate human resource availability, and limited access to government-funded resources. As the study was negatively impacted by the Covid pandemic, further research with wider representation is needed to plan comprehensive eye health programmes for children with SEN.

Cross-sectional study of prevalence, causes and trends in visual impairment in Nirmal District, Telangana, India: Nirmal Eye Evaluation for Trends study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, causes and risk factors associated with visual impairment (VI) in the Nirmal district of Telangana, India, using extended Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment (RAVI) methodology. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Community setting. PARTICIPANTS: Participants aged ≥16 years were enumerated from 90 randomly selected clusters and 4629/5400 (85.7%) participants were examined. Presenting visual acuity (VA) was assessed using a Snellen chart with E optotypes at a 6 m distance. Near vision was assessed binocularly using an N notation chart with tumbling E optotypes at a 40 cm distance. An anterior segment examination done followed by distance direct ophthalmoscopy at 50 cm. Non-mydriatic fundus images were obtained. VI was defined as presenting VA worse than 6/12 in the better eye. The prevalence of VI in the current study was compared with a RAVI study conducted in 2014 to assess the trends in VI among those aged ≥40 years. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Prevalence, causes and risk factors for VI. RESULTS: Among those examined, 55% were women, 53% had at least school-level education, 2.3% self-reported diabetes and 8.7% self-reported hypertension. The prevalence of VI was 8.81% (95% CI 8.01% to 9.67%). Overall, uncorrected refractive errors (49.5%) were the leading cause of VI, followed by cataracts (40.2%) and posterior segment diseases (4.9%). Among those aged ≥40 years, the prevalence of VI declined by 19.3% compared with the 2014 baseline study (from 20.2% to 16.3%; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The extended RAVI study conducted in the Nirmal district showed a considerable decline in the prevalence of VI. Targeted interventions are needed to provide adequate eye care for the high-risk groups in this district.

Barriers and Potential Solutions to Glaucoma Screening in the Developing World: A Review.

PURPOSE: Glaucoma is a leading public health concern globally and its detection and management are way more complex and challenging in the developing world. This review article discusses barriers to glaucoma screening in developing countries from the perspective of different key stakeholders and proposes solutions. METHODS/RESULTS: A literature search was carried out in the electronic catalogs of PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane database of systematic reviews to find studies that focused on barriers and enablers to glaucoma screening. The authors' interpretations were tabulated as descriptive and qualitative data and presented concisely from the point of view of key stakeholders such as the patients and their relatives, care providers, and system/governing bodies. Key barriers to glaucoma care identified are lack of awareness, poor accessibility to ophthalmic centers, inadequately trained human resources, unsatisfactory infrastructure, and nonavailability of financially viable screening programs. Educating care providers, as well as the public, providing care closer to where people live, and developing cost-effective screening strategies are needed to ensure proper identification of glaucoma patients in developing countries. CONCLUSIONS: The logistics of glaucoma detection and management are complex. Hence, glaucoma detection programs should be implemented only when facilities for glaucoma management are in place. Understanding the importance of glaucoma screening and its future implications, addressing the various roadblocks, empowering and efficiently implementing the existing strategies, and incorporating novel ones using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) will help in establishing a robust glaucoma screening program in developing countries.