Socio-cultural influences on eye health in a rural underserved community of Oyo state.

To enhance planning of an eye health programme for a rural underserved community, focus group discussions were conducted. They investigated the community perception about eye health, and determined some of the socio-cultural factors which may be important in design of the programme. The results suggest that the planned intervention is timely and appropriate. Eye health education will be required to discourage the use of Traditional Eye Medicines, while the possibility of incorporating Traditional Healers as first contact for patients will need to be examined. Cataract surgery will be a highlight of the programme.