Salient features of VISION 2020, Nepal

Sailesh Kumar Mishra

Purpose
Blindness and severe visual impairment remain leading causes of suffering and disability in the world. Results of the 1981 Nepal National Blindness Survey showed that 0.84% of the population was blind in both eyes (<3/60). In those 45 years and older the percentage was 3.77 (3). It was estimated that 80% of this blindness is either curable or preventable. The major cause of blindness was cataract: 83% among those > 45 years (65.4% among all ages). The magnitude of blindness was considered as significant public health problem.

Method
Various international and non-governmental organizations (NGO) were involved in eye care service delivery of Nepal. Apex body for eye health was formed at Ministry of Health to coordinate all government and non governmental eye care service provider. Priority eye diseases were identified. Resource allocation in eye care service was increased. Geographical sector wide disease focus strategy was adopted in eye care service as per guidelines of VISION 2020.

Result
The productivity in eye care service was further accelerated. Cataract Surgical Rate has been increased from 1600 in 2000 AD to 2900 in 2009. Cataract Surgical coverage has been found up to 91.0% in person (PVA<3/60) and 65% in eyes (PVA<6/60) in best served areas of the country and overall blindness and visual impairment has been reduced compared to before launching of Vision 2020 at National level.

Conclusion
The eye care service has further expanded and strengthened and has become more effective after launching of Vision 2020. NGO can shoulder a big portion of burden for government's health system on resource mobilization and service delivery in eye care with proper coordination, focused strategy and coherent government eye health policy.