scholarly journals A Retrospective Study of Causes of Low Vision in Saud Arabia, A Case of Eye World Medical Complex in Riyadh

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Z. Alotaibi
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Vision 2020 ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Right

<p>Vision is the ability of seeing with a definite understanding of features, color and contrast, and to distinguish between objects visually. In the year 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness formulated a worldwide project for the eradication of preventable loss of sight with the subject of “Vision 2020: the Right to Sight”. This global program aims to eradicate preventable loss of sight by the year 2020. This study was conducted to determine the main causes of low vision in Saudi Arabia and also to assess their visual improvement after using low vision aids (LVD).The study is a retrospective study and was conducted in low vision clinic at Eye World Medical Complex in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The file medical record of 280 patients attending low vision clinics from February 2008 to June 2010 was included. A data sheet was filled which include: age, gender, cause of low vision, unassisted visual acuity for long distances and short distances, low vision devices needed for long distances and short distances that provides best visual acuity. The result shows that the main cause of low vision was Optic atrophy (28.9%). Retinitis pigmentosa was the second cause of low vision, accounting for 73 patients (26%) followed by Diabetic retinopathy and Macular degeneration with 44 patients (15.7%) and 16 patients (5.7%) respectively. Inter family marriage could be one of the main causes of low vision. Public awareness should be embarked on for enlightenment on ocular diseases result in consanguineous marriage. Also, it is an important issue to start establishing low vision clinics in order to improve the situation.</p>

The Behavioral and Cognitive Manifestations of Blindness in Children

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Pring ◽  
Valerie Tadić
Keyword(s):  
Motor Development ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Developmental Studies ◽  
Vision 2020 ◽  
Developmental Neuroscience ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Ground-breaking progress in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders has allowed us far more insight into blindness and visual impairment (VI). The field of cognitive neuroscience has now established itself solidly in the literature, combining the knowledge from cognitive psychology, clinical studies related to brain damage, and neuroscience to open the way to significant advances in understanding. In recent years, the optimism engendered from the adult studies has played a large part in providing the impetus for developmental studies and in particular developmental neuroscience (Johnson 2005; Tager-Flusberg 1999). It is from this developmental neuroscience perspective that we can begin to understand the cognitive and behavioral manifestations associated with blindness and VI; albeit with the proviso that children with VI present particularly heterogeneous developmental patterns when compared to typically developing children (Fraiberg 1971). In considering the effects of blindness and VI, this chapter will focus on social understanding, language, cognition, and motor development. However, it begins with brief introductions to epidemiology and the effects of blindness on the functional and structural organization of the brain, which it is hoped will provide a useful context in which to consider the development of children who cannot see. Today the number of blind people in the world stands at 45 million, even though up to 75% of blindness could be avoided either by treatment or by prevention. The number of people with avoidable blindness will have doubled from 1990 to 2020 unless there is rapid and effective intervention, and the total number of the blind is projected to be as many as 76 million by 2020. To prevent this scenario, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) have jointly initiated Vision 2020, a project that aims to eliminate the main causes of avoidable blindness by the year 2020, with the ultimate long-term goal of a world in which all avoidable blindness is eliminated and in which everyone with unavoidable vision loss reaches their full potential. The top priority of Vision 2020 is the prevention of childhood blindness. At present there are 1.4 million children under the age of 15 who are blind.

scholarly journals Communicating Risk Regarding Food Consumption: The Case of Processed Meat

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slavica Zec ◽  
Clara Minto ◽  
Carlo Agostoni ◽  
Carolina Fano ◽  
Honoria Ocagli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Communication ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Real Data ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Processed Meat ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

The present research combines real data and parameters found in recent literature that were used to design realistic scenarios demonstrating the potential effects (benefits and costs) of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s risk communication regarding the consumption of processed meat, which was proven to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in an International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)/WHO report. The impact of the risk communication of processed meat consumption was simulated using Monte Carlo microsimulation models. The results showed that a 1% reduction in the number of high-level processed meat consumers may lead to a yearly decrease in CRC cases of 406.43 (IC 95%: −243.94, 1056.81), while the more extreme scenario of a 15% reduction may lead to 2086.62 fewer cases (IC 95%: 1426.66, 2746.57). On the other hand, if demand contraction in the processed meat sector resulted in a 0.1% loss in employment, one could expect 27.23 all-cause mortalities attributable to job loss (IC 95%: 16.55, 37.80). This simulation study demonstrates that caution should be taken when implementing public awareness campaigns, particularly when the prevention message is not straightforward.

scholarly journals Assessing the Progress towards Achieving “VISION 2020: The Right to Sight” Initiative in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enyam Komla Amewuho Morny ◽  
Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi ◽  
Stephen Ocansey ◽  
Samuel Kyei ◽  
Kwame Yeboah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vision 2020 ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Delivery ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Eye Health ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Right

Purpose. The aim of this study was to analyse eye health delivery in Ghana and examine the progress towards achieving VISION 2020 indicator targets. Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2017 and May 2018. It used a mixed method approach including desk-based reviews, a questionnaire-based survey of eye facilities in Ghana, and interviews with eye health system stakeholders to collect information on eye health delivery in facilities owned by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), quasigovernmental bodies (security agencies), and Christian Association of Ghana (CHAG). The information was benchmarked against the World Health Organization (WHO) targets for achieving the goals of VISION 2020. Results. The magnitude of blindness and moderate to severe visual impairment (without pinhole) was 0.9% and 3.0%, respectively. The number of ophthalmologists available at the country level was 80.6% of the VISION 2020 target with optometrists and ophthalmic nurses exceeding targets for VISION 2020. The distribution of human resources was heavily skewed towards two out of the 10 regions in Ghana. Cataract surgical rate was low and met 25% of the WHO target. Basic equipment for refraction was available in the majority of facilities; however, there was a general lack of specialised eye care equipment across the country. Comparatively, CHAG facilities were better equipped than GHS facilities at the same level. Conclusion. The Government of Ghana should revitalize the goals of VISION 2020 beyond the year 2020 and spearhead a concerted effort to ensure equitable distribution of human and infrastructural resources across the country.

scholarly journals Public awareness of ear health and hearing loss in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid A. Alshehri ◽  
Waleed M. Alqulayti ◽  
Bassam E. Yaghmoor ◽  
Hisham Alem
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Family History ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Knowledge of ear health and hearing loss is essential for early intervention and treatment, but the state of public knowledge of such in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, remains unknown.Objectives: To measure public knowledge of ear health and hearing loss.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted during August 2018 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An electronic survey questionnaire was distributed to 2372 residents of various districts in Jeddah. The survey was created in 2013 by adopting previously published World Health Organization material, designed to assess knowledge and perception of ear health. All males and females aged 10 years or older living in Jeddah had the chance to participate in this study. A total of 2372 people participated. Percentages mean ± standard deviation, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVAs) and independent t-tests were applied to determine the significant difference. p-values of 0.05 or less were considered significant.Results: The overall mean number of correct responses on the survey’s true/false questionnaire was 10.66 ± 1.92 out of 14. Female participants gave a higher mean number of correct answers than did male participants (10.73 ± 2.03 vs. 10.54 ± 2.03, respectively). Participants with a family history of hearing loss gave a higher mean number of correct answers compared with participants who reported a negative family history (10.89 ± 1.82 vs. 10.53 ± 1.97, respectively).Conclusion: Overall awareness of ear health and hearing loss management is fair. However, the results indicate a need for more integrated educational materials to be made available both to the general population as well as to hearing loss individuals and their families.

scholarly journals Indicators for monitoring cataract surgery outcomes; evolution and importance

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
Rajiv Khandekar ◽  
W May ◽  
T Alasbali
Keyword(s):  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vision 2020 ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Surgery Outcomes ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Right

Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness globally (Pascolini & Mariotti, 2012). Cataract surgery restores vision and is a cost-effective health intervention ranked second to the vaccination. In the ‘VISION 2020 -The Right to Sight’ initiative, cataract is given the highest priority so that member countries of the World Health Organization can eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020 (World Health Organization, 2007). From a public health perspective, the quantity and quality of cataract surgery is important. Hence, indicators to monitor cataract surgeries are both quantitative and qualitative. These indicators have changed along with the evolution of cataract services.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Optometrists Regarding Low Vision Services in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 217-288
Author(s):  
Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo ◽  
Waleed Alghamdi
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Mailing List ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Purpose: To address the human resources challenge for the provision of low vision services in Saudi Arabia, this study sought to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of optometrists in Saudi Arabia regarding low vision services. The knowledge and attitudes to low vision services can influence the provision of low vision services by optometrists. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey of optometrists practicing in Saudi Arabia was undertaken using an online questionnaire designed to elicit the opinions of respondents. The online questionnaire was sent out to optometrists on the official mailing list of registered optometrists and those on the mailing list of the Saudi Society of Optometry. Results: Only 26.5% of the respondents correctly indicated the correct designation of low vision in terms of visual acuity. Although 95.8% indicated that optical low vision devices could help people with low vision, 81.6% reported that low vision devices were expensive, and 42.9% felt low vision practice was not profitable. Only 10.4% of respondents provide low vision services in their practice. Insufficient training in low vision care was the main barrier militating against the provision of low vision services. Conclusion: The pertinent finding in this study is that about a quarter of the respondents could correctly designate low vision in terms of visual acuity using the World Health Organization (WHO) definition. The study concluded that there was poor knowledge, attitudes, and practices of optometrists in Saudi Arabia regarding low vision, which has implications for the provision of low vision services by optometrists.

scholarly journals Profile of vision function amongst learners with low vision attending inclusive schools in Kakamega County, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doreen E. Ashioya ◽  
Peter C. Clarke-Farr
Keyword(s):  
Low Vision ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Assessment Tests ◽  
Academic Activities ◽  
Inclusive Schools ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Right ◽  
Vision Function

Background: The quality of vision function of low vision (LV) children determines their ease and success in performing activities of daily living including academic activities undertaken whilst at school.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the vision function of LV learners attending inclusive schools in Kakamega County, Kenya.Setting: This study was designed at public primary inclusive schools in Kakamega County, with LV placements by the County Educational Assessment and Resource Center.Methods: This was a school-based cross-sectional study. A census survey identified 21 LV learners, who met the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of LV and had been assessed and placed in 11 public primary inclusive schools in Kakamega County. Participants underwent standard LV assessment tests. Data were entered into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data were summarised and presented using tables, figures and percentages.Results: Out of the 21 LV learners who were selected, 19 (90.5%) were assessed. The best recorded visual acuity (VA) was 0.33 decimal notation at far and 0.02 and 0.01 in the right eye and the left eye, respectively, at near. The vast majority, 94.7%, had reduction in stereopsis, whilst 42.1% had defects in colour vision, 20.0% reduced contrast sensitivity (CS) and 15.8% had visual field impairment within the central 20 degrees.Conclusion: There is an overall decrease in vision function amongst LV learners attending inclusive schools in Kakamega County. The most affected parts of vision function are VA and stereopsis.

scholarly journals Nurses’ Knowledge and Anxiety Levels toward COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 356-363
Author(s):  
Fatmah Alsharif
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
As Stress ◽  
Health Organization

Background: In the battle against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, medical care staff, especially nurses, are at a higher risk of encountering psychological health issues and distress, such as stress, tension, burdensome indications, and, most importantly, fear. They are also at higher risk of becoming infected and transmitting this virus. In Saudi Arabia, it was noticed that the healthcare workforce suffered from anxiety, and that this more evident in women than men. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of nurses regarding COVID-19 and the level of anxiety toward the COVID-19 outbreak in the current pandemic situation. Design: A cross-sectional design was used and a validated self-administered online questionnaire with a set of questions related to COVID-19 was distributed to 87 participating nurses. Results: The results showed that more than half of the nurses (71.90%) had an adequate and good knowledge about the causes, transmission, symptoms, treatment, and death rate of COVID-19. The main sources of information for the nurses were social media (51.7%) and the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health (36.8%). Conclusions: The results allowed the conclusion that, though the nurses had satisfactory knowledge about COVID-19, more than 50% of them experienced mental health issues such as anxiety. To address this, along with providing more knowledge about COVID-19, nurses should be supported in managing their anxiety.

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