NIRPHAD has a target group Persons with Visual Impairment, specifically Cataract and now to be extended to patients with glaucoma and paediatric ophthalmology

Following the Theory of Change, planning, participation and evaluation were part of the project. This enabled to identify the causal linkages for the programme and assess both the long- & short-term outcomes. While mapping the outcomes on a regular basis, the existing services were strengthened while new emerging needs were assessed. By following this theory, it becomes convenient to test the plausibility, feasibility and testability of the project. It ensures that the pathways are logical in nature; initiatives are realistic so as to map long term impacts and that the outcomes generated are measurable to evaluate the success of the programme.

In addition to expanding to new districts, the upcoming project initiative shall include an intensified focus on Glaucoma and Paediatric Ophthalmology. Talking about Glaucoma, it is recognised as a severe form of disability by World Health Organisation classification of disability. It is also known to be on the list of global burden of diseases as delayed identification leads to irreversible blindness. Being part of the programmes in rural areas, NIRPHAD shall engage in the process from screening to timely treatment of Glaucoma. When it comes to Paediatric Ophthalmology, it is becoming the need of the hour for intensive early detection of children. This shall be done through eye examinations and check-ups so as to prevent & avoid childhood blindness. The paediatric centre shall be established in the existing eye centres. While focussing on conducting cataract surgeries and addressing concerns of glaucoma, early detection in children will be a new sphere which will enhance eye health in the community.

Glaucoma Blindness: A learning Cause of Irreversible Blindneess

Glaucoma can be prevented if identified early and managed it appropriately. In India, around 12 million people suffer from glaucoma and 1.5 million are blind due to it. So, making the third most common cause of blindness. More than75% of glaucoma patients are undiagnosed especially in rural areas. Through glaucoma per dose not lead to mortality, glaucoma blindness is categories as a severe form of disability (category VI) out of seven world health organization (WHO) classification on the global burden of diseases.NIRPHAD rural eye hospital can be part of mass population based –screening programs, facility- based opportunistic screenings for identification of the high-risk for early detection and management of glaucoma patients.

Pediatric Ophthalmalogy Scope

Kids experience a variety of eye problems, many quite distinct from adult eye diseases like congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma, squint, amblyopic etc. The estimated prevalence of childhood blindness/low vision in India is 0.80 per thousand people. Problems affecting Children team with specialized skills and a well- equipped paediatric ophthalmology centre. Paediatric centre can be easily established in already NIRPHAD Rural Eye Hospital, Which is predominately treating cataracts, so that large number of rural kids can be screened and childhood blindness can be prevented.