Dr.ARPITHA PEREIRA
AIM: To conduct a house to house survey utilising III year MBBS students to collect data primarily on ocular disease and also on various systemic co morbidities.
METHODS: III year MBBS students were provided with a detailed questionnaire to conduct a house to house survey on every Sunday, in villages spanning a 20 km radius around a tertiary care centre for 1 year. Screened population – 25,375. Screening done for ocular diseases; suspected posterior segment diseases referred.
RESULTS: Of the 25,375 that were screened, 51% females. Children (0-6 years) comprised 9%.
17% with severe visual impairment had not accessed eye care services; 10 % had refractive errors / anterior segment disease; < 5% had posterior segment diseases; 30% of diabetic population had not consulted an ophthalmologist. CONCLUSION: Use of uniform protocol and student manpower can provide authentic data at national level and provide an insight into the problems associated with implementation of NPCB in rural India.
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