“In developing countries, 60% of children die within a year of going blind”

This is a shocking statistic, and most of these cases of blindness can be prevented. One of the priorities of the VISION 2020 programme is therefore to prevent childhood blindness. A excellent article on this challenge can be found at v2020.org.

Here is a brief quotation…
“As the causes of blindness in children differ from those in adults, different control measures are needed. In low-income countries, high proportions of children are blind from preventable causes, which require community-based interventions. In all regions, children with treatable diseases, principally cataract, can have their sight restored. Childrens’ eyes cannot, however, be considered smaller versions of adults’ eyes, and specific expertise and equipment are required. Unlike adults, children require longterm follow-up after surgery, to manage complications and to prevent amblyopia (‘lazy eyes’). The understanding and involvement of parents is critical. In all regions, children with irreversible visual loss must be assessed for low-vision services, early visual stimulation, rehabilitation or special education, depending on their age and level of residual vision.”

“About 40% of the causes of childhood blindness are preventable or treatable.”

A multi-disciplinary team approach is essential to make a lasting impact, and this is one reason that the world health organisation has called for teams from developed countries to visit areas with particular needs and commit to providing training and resources in partnership with eye hospitals in developing countries.