Recently, Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Hospital Ophthalmic Nurses participated in a basic low vision training program aimed at equipping the health personnel with the expertise to provide comprehensive low vision care to children and adults.
Low vision is a result of health conditions and eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, birth defects and eye injuries among others. People with low vision usually find it difficult to perform everyday tasks despite wearing spectacles, having surgery or using medication. One may experience challenges recognizing faces, reading or appreciating height and depth among other challenges. To enhance the understanding of low vision care for children and adults, the training sessions focused on understanding the causes and prevalence of low vision, further delving into assessments and equipping the eye health personnel with the knowledge of prescribing and teaching use of low vision devices. In addition, the training emphasized the importance of a thorough refraction including non-optical interventions, and environmental adaptations which are essential in the provision of comprehensive low vision care.
As outlined in the National Eye Strategy (2021 – 2025), several people fail to access eye care services due to the high cost of services and assistive technologies including the lack of knowledge on eye conditions and services available. Therefore, strategies should be adopted to make eye care services accessible and affordable in addition to raising awareness in society about the importance of seeking eye health services early. The basic low vision training will strengthen the capacity of eye health professionals to identify and diagnose eye conditions at an early stage, allowing timely intervention and treatment.