The output of cataract surgery performed by trained non-ophthalmologist physicians in rural areas: study of cataract outcomes and up-take of services report 7.
Int Ophthalmol
; 44(1): 323, 2024 Jul 09.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38980416
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and surgery can restore vision in most patients. Some patients have little access to surgical services due to lack of cataract surgeons and the unaffordable costs. In 2005 we built a service model that trained rural non-ophthalmologist physicians to perform cataract surgeries in rural China. This study evaluates the long-term impacts of this model.METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study to analyze patients' hand-written medical records and electronic outpatient record between January 2005 and December 2019 at two rural health clinics in Southern China.RESULTS:
In total, 34,601 patients (49,942 eyes) underwent cataract surgery by non-ophthalmologist physicians from 2005 to 2019.Visual acuity was clearly documented in 38,251 eyes. Before surgery, the unaided distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 60.7% (23,205/38,251) eyes was less than 0.05 decimal. On the first day after surgery, the percentage of UDVA < 0.05 eyes was reduced to 6.0%, and 96.7% (36,980/38,251) of the eyes achieved a better UDVA compared to pre-operation. Surgical-related complications occurred in 218 eyes. The most common complication was posterior capsule rupture (114, 0.23%). 44.3% (15,341/34,601) of the patients chose to have a second eye cataract surgery (SECS) in the same clinic. At one of the outpatient clinics, 21,595 patients received basic eye care apart from cataract surgery between 2018 and 2020.CONCLUSIONS:
Non-ophthalmologist physicians trained for cataract surgeries in rural clinics can improve cataract related visual acuity and basic eye care to the local population.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
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Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Catarata
/
Extracción de Catarata
/
Agudeza Visual
Límite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int Ophthalmol
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
China