Visual Impairement and Blindness in the Rural Population of Western Rajasthan: Effort of a Dutch Foundation to Address the Problem

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this project was to investigate the magnitude of visual impairment and blindness in the rural population of Western Rajasthan and determine how best to address it. Setting: Jodhpur District of Western Rajasthan. Population 2.8 million. Rural population 67% spread over 860 villages. Method: An interventional “screen and treat” population based program of village outreach by holding Eye Camps--in remote areas of the District. Participants: Candidates –lined up for screening at Eye Camps. Results: Of the 49’ 518 screened; 32’ 615 men, women and children had refractory errors (mainly myopia and presbiopia). This is 66% of the total. 1’350 persons had cataract related blindness. This is 2.7% of the total population screened.