Field Testing Project to Pilot World Health Organization Eye Health Indicators in Latin America

Abstract

Multisectoral stakeholders, including national professional societies and national vision committees, should collaborate with MOHs to improve the quality of data that are reported to WHO. This study involved these stakeholders in the data collection processes to better understand the realities of indicator implementation, better manage their expectations, and improve data quality. WHO Member States across the globe can feasibly adapt the study tools and methodologies to strengthen their data collection processes. Overall, the reliability and validity of the indicators is hampered with limitations that prevent fully accurate data from being collected.

Estimated number of ophthalmologists worldwide (International Council of Ophthalmology update): will we meet the needs?

“…Traditionally, all ophthalmologists performed refraction as part of the comprehensive eye exam, but this is now changing, with task-shifting to optometrists, ophthalmic technicians/technologists and nurses in some countries. 9 Focusing on the appropriate distribution of the eye care workforce and developing comprehensive eye care delivery systems may be a way to address population needs. The WHO defines comprehensive eye care as the provision of a continuum of health promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services that address the full spectrum of eye conditions to meet the patient's needs throughout their life course, while ensuring an integrated service delivery approach within and beyond the health sector.…”

Teaming-up nurses with ophthalmologists to expand the reach of eye care in a middle-income country: Validation of health data acquisition by nursing staff in a telemedicine strategy

“…The optometrist is only formally recognized in Peru, Honduras and Mexico. Meanwhile, countries such as Chile and Uruguay have ophthalmological technicians who collect refraction data [ 33 ].…”