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Laos has twice as many cases of childhood blindness as neighboring Thailand. This is a reflection of the availability of good local health care. As part of the Better Vision for Better Life project, International Relief & Development (IRD) is bringing an increased level of care to one corner of this Southeast Asian nation.
Working with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Academy for Educational Development (AED), IRD is bringing comprehensive pediatric eye care to three districts in Khammaoune Province—Boualapa, Gnomalaty and Mahaxay. Approximately 300 village health workers (VHW)s and 200 primary school teachers from 150 villages in the target districts will participate in a two-day training on basic eye health and how to organize and conduct a “Child Screening Day.” They will also be taught basic screening techniques to identify refractive errors and other eye problems by the provincial ophthalmologist and selected health department staff. VHWs will be charged with mobilizing community members and ensuring that younger children are screened. In addition, in the three districts, up to two staff from each of the six clinics, and three to four staff from each district hospital (for up to a total of 30 participants) will be trained in eye screening and treatment of the most common eye problems in Laos.
Children found to have vision problems will be referred to local health personnel who have been trained to perform fittings and provide instruction for proper care and use of eyeglasses. IRD supplies the eyeglasses and appropriate equipment to district level health facilities. Screening activities also identify children in need of eye surgery, which is performed by the provincial ophthalmologist. IRD will cover the additional costs associated with the surgery, including transport and lodging for provincial health staff and families, and medical supplies. For more delicate surgical cases involving small children, IRD supports transport and lodging in the provincial capital.