Overview on community ophthalmology.

Community ophthalmology requires a comprehensive approach for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of all eye diseases like vitamin A deficiency, trachoma, measles, diabetic retinopathy, refractive errors, etc. Community ophthalmology is based on the principles of primary health care approach. Equitable distribution, community involvement, focus on prevention, appropriate technology and multisectorial approach are to name a few in primary health care approach. In India, National Programme for Trachoma Control was launched in 1963 and National Programme for Control of Blindness was launched in 1976. Prevention of blindness was included in 20-point plan in early 1980s. Increase in blindness was reassessed in 1986-89 and the strategy was changed. World Bank came to help in planning 11 million cataract operations in 7 years in 7 States where there was the highest prevalence of cataract. Departments of community ophthalmology have recently been developed in several institutions. If the problem of blindness is to be solved, extension of community-based approach including all strata of society is the need of the hour.