Community Engagement as a Tool for Improving Efficiency of Primary Eye Care Delivery: Case Studies from Two Different Models

Abstract

Background: Delivery of healthcare services needs to be rooted in frameworks supporting community engagement. Our organization delivers primary eyecare through two different models. These case studies quantitatively analyse the impact of community collaboration on the effectiveness of these models-camps and vision centres. Methods: Camp data from two rural blocks of north India comparing first year of operations in 2016 with that of 2017; April-September 2017 data from two underperforming vision centreswas compared to data from same period in 2018.Natural interventions in camps included visits of local leaders to surgical centre, health talks spreading awareness regarding eyecare plusour organization, and local partners helping counsel patients, while for vision centres,staff was trained to conduct regular health talks and meetings in nearby villages. For camps, before and after data on attendance, proportion of people over 50, proportion of people getting operated among those advised and acquisition cost were analysed,for vision centres referral from these centres wereanalysed. Results: Parameters for both models showed improvement inthe second year. Conclusion: Sustained presence in the community and collaboration with local stakeholders increases effectiveness of service delivery at primary level.