Gender Sensitive Blindness Prevention Intervention in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria II: A report of a free cataract surgical service for women

Abstract

Background: Gender issues in eye care are a global priority. Women have been recognized to face challenges in eye care. This includes a higher prevalence of disease conditions such as cataract to service delivery in which it is noted that they take up services especially for cataract surgery less than their male counterpart. This report seeks to document the experience and outcome of this organized gender-sensitive eye care project and in addition, make recommendations for future gender programmes. Women in the state were invited to participate in a free cataract surgical eye camp project. A talk on HIV was given at each centre and women willing to have free HIV testing were tested and counselled accordingly. Methods: A total of four thousand two hundred and thirty nine (4239) women were examined between 1st July and 30 September 2007. Eye operations were performed on th 261 (6%) women during the duration of this project. Extra capsular cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation was performed in 185 out of the 261 eye surgeries. Of the 4239 women who presented, a total of nine hundred and twenty three women (923) voluntarily screened for HIV. Out of these, thirty eight (38) women tested positive, of which 35 accepted counselling and commenced treatment. Two thousand five hundred and sixty-six (2566) 61% of participants at the eye camp were given reading glasses; most of these women were civil servants (teachers). Results: A female only surgical cataract eye camp is possible. It is convenient, economical and beneficial to have a collaborative programme with the committee on HIV/AIDS. This project was a successful strategy to reduce blindness, poverty and ensure empowerment of women. Recommendations are made towards a holistic approach in the organization of cataract surgical eye camps and for women.