Susan Lewallen

A cost analysis of pediatric cataract surgery at two child eye health tertiary facilities in Africa

PURPOSEnTo determine the direct cost of pediatric cataract surgery at two child eye health tertiary facilities (CEHTFs) in Africa.nnnMETHODSnThe direct cost of pediatric cataract surgery was determined by reviewing data collected from two CEHTFs in Zambia and Malawi. Inventory, cost, and usage data of all durable medical equipment, consumable equipment, personnel, and medications were collected and the direct cost per child calculated.nnnRESULTSnFor cataract surgery and related treatment during 2011, the total cost per child was calculated to be

Ocular Involvement in Leprosy

202 for Malawi and

Training Health Workers to Recognize, Treat, Refer and Educate Patients About Ocular Leprosy

277 for Zambia using figures derived from estimating labor cost allocation proportional to employee time devoted to pediatric cataract management. The one-time equipment cost totaled

Collaboration with African Traditional Healers for the Prevention of Blindness

178,121 for Malawi and

Ocular autonomic dysfunction andintraocular pressureinleprosy

179,832 for Zambia.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThese cost estimates may serve as a basis for economic decisions aimed at improving access to care, management, and follow-up for children with cataract and provide useful insights for programs dedicated to promoting organizational and financial sustainability for CEHTFs in Africa.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON TRADITIONAL HEALERS IN AFRICA

Most blindness in leprosy is either preventable or curable. Corneal disease, uveitis, and cataract, the main causes of visual loss, are usually chronic complications, requiring years of progression to cause vision loss. Reducing the barriers to use of existing eye services requires both community-based interventions to promote knowledge and acceptance as well as hospital-based interventions and education of eye care providers to promote easy access for people with leprosy.

COLLABORATING WITH TRADITIONAL HEALERS

In this age of modern era, the use of internet must be maximized. Yeah, internet will help us very much not only for important thing but also for daily activities. Many people now, from any level can use internet. The sources of internet connection can also be enjoyed in many places. As one of the benefits is to get the on-line training health workers to recognize treat refer and educate patients about ocular leprosy book, as the world window, as many people suggest.