Provision Of Integrated Eye and Ear Care Services in Resource Poor: A Case Study from India

Abstract

Background: Hearing impairment affects 5.3% of world population and its implication at individual, family and community level is considerable. Both eye and ear care are public health issues and lack trained manpower to address them. In August 2010, a project was initiated to assess feasibility of integrating ear and eye care services at primary level.

Methods: Vision Technicians at two vision centres (one urban and one rural) of Dr. Shroff’s Charity Hospital, India were trained in primary ear care using WHO ‘Intermediate module’ and basic ear care equipment were provided. The evaluation of pilot project was carried out to assess feasibility of delivering integrated services through already existing public health infrastructure.

Results: Stakeholders were strongly in favour of integrating eye and ear care services. Vision Technicians were able to screen and recognize patients with common ear diseases and provide basic care. They played a pivotal role in awareness creation. The target population was satisfied with services provided at vision centres.

Conclusion: Training Vision technicians and ophthalmic assistants in private and public health care delivery systems will go a long way in addressing ear morbidities in a cost effective manner in resource poor settings.