CATARACT FREE ZONE AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE APPROACH TO PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS IN SHUNYI COUNTY OF BEIJING

摘要

Objective. To establish a three-level eye care network, together with a referral and monitor system for the prevention of blindness, with the aim of creating a cataract free zone. Subjects and Methods. Shunyi County with a population of 548 364 was chosen as the target site. Our activities included (1) establishment of a County Guiding Committee for the prevention of blindness; (2) training local ophthalmologists and primary eye care personnel; (3) extensive publicity of knowledge for the prevention of blindness; (4) screening for blindness and low vision; (5) cataract surgery as the chief measure for creating a cataract free zone. Results. A referral and monitor system for cataract blindness was established in 1987. Seven local ophthalmologists, 449 primary eye care health workers and six optometrists were trained. 815 cataract-blind patients were identified. Up to December 1991, 667 patients (737 eyes), accounting for 81.84% of the total, were treated with cataract surgery. 90.64% of these eyes had their sight restored, and 59.66% patients resumed work. A cataract free zone has been created in Shunyi County. Conclusions. The prevention of blindness with cataract surgery as the chief measure can dramatically decrease the prevalence of blindness in a relatively short period of time.