Changing trends of blindness, visual impairment and cataract surgery in Bhutan: 2009-2018.

Purpose: To obtain new rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) data on the prevalence, causes and trends of blindness, visual impairment and cataract surgery; and compare the new 2018 data with the older RAAB 2009 data.

Methodology: The second nationwide RAAB used android based mRAAB technique and technology for data collection. Using the compact segment sampling probability proportionate to size, 5,050 participants from 101 clusters of 50 people aged 50 years and older were enrolled through house-to-house visits.

Protocol for process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial of family-led rehabilitation post stroke (ATTEND) in India.

Introduction: We are undertaking a randomised controlled trial (fAmily led rehabiliTaTion aftEr stroke in INDia, ATTEND) evaluating training a family carer to enable maximal rehabilitation of patients with stroke-related disability; as a potentially affordable, culturally acceptable and effective intervention for use in India. A process evaluation is needed to understand how and why this complex intervention may be effective, and to capture important barriers and facilitators to its implementation. We describe the protocol for our process evaluation to encourage the development of in-process evaluation methodology and transparency in reporting.

Family-led rehabilitation after stroke in India: the ATTEND trial, study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Globally, most strokes occur in low- and middle-income countries, such as India, with many affected people having no or limited access to rehabilitation services. Western models of stroke rehabilitation are often unaffordable in many populations but evidence from systematic reviews of stroke unit care and early supported discharge rehabilitation trials suggest that some components might form the basis of affordable interventions in low-resource settings. We describe the background, history and design of the ATTEND trial, a complex intervention centred on family-led stroke rehabilitation in India.

Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness in Bhutan.

Aim: To conduct a rapid assessment of avoidable blindness survey in Bhutan to obtain estimates of blindness, visual impairment, and cataract surgical coverage, outcomes and barriers among persons ≥50 years old.

Methods: A total of 82 clusters of 50 people ≥50 years were selected using probability proportionate to size sampling. Eligible participants were selected from households using compact segment sampling, and underwent ophthalmic examination for visual acuity, followed by penlight and direct ophthalmoscopy.

Assessment of avoidable blindness using the rapid assessment of avoidable blindness methodology.

Background: More than 90% of visual impairment can either be treated or avoided. Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness methodology provides valid estimates in short time to assess magnitude and causes of blindness.

Aims: To estimate the prevalence and causes of blindness in persons above 50 years in Kolar, South India, using the above methodology.

Barriers to accessing eye care services among visually impaired populations in rural Andhra Pradesh, South India.

Purpose: To understand the reasons why people in rural south India with visual impairment arising from various ocular diseases do not seek eye care.

Materials And Methods: A total of 5,573 persons above the age of 15 were interviewed and examined in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh covering the districts of Adilabad, West Godavari and Mahaboobnagar. A pre-tested structured questionnaire on barriers to eye care was administered by trained field investigators.