Eye injury rates and community cost savings through vision centers: Evidence from southern India.

Purpose: Eye injuries are a significant public health concern, yet data on their burden in South Indian communities remains scarce. This study assessed the annual rates of eye injuries, evaluated the effectiveness of vision centers (VCs) in their management, and analyzed the cost-benefit impact of these facilities.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of VC medical records, including all eye injury cases reported at 35 VCs affiliated with a tertiary eye hospital, Madurai, between 2021 and 2022. A cost analysis accounted for patient expenses, including registration and travel from VCs to the base hospital.

Results: Of the 219,172 outpatients, 6.98% presented with eye injuries, with males comprising 63.9% and females 36.1% of cases. The mean (standard deviation) age of patients was 39 (19.1) years. Individuals under 20 years accounted for 17.5% of cases, while 66.5% occurred in working-age adults (20-59 years; P < 0.001). Globe injuries comprised 85.3% of cases, with the remaining 14.7% being periocular injuries. Most injuries (85.8%) were managed at VCs, while the rest (14.2%) required referral to base hospitals. The VCs generated community savings of ₹5.6 million (US$ 67,233) in travel and registration costs.

Conclusion: Eye injuries impose a substantial burden, particularly among working-age adults and individuals under 20 years. VCs effectively manage the majority of cases locally, providing accessible care and significant cost savings for South Indian communities.