The potential impact of a cataract surgery programme on the care of orphans and vulnerable children in Swaziland

J Pons, W Mapham, B Newsome, L Myer, R Anderson, P Courtright, C Cook

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Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the potential impact of a cataract surgery programme at the Good Shepherd Hospital, Siteki, Swaziland, on the care of orphans and vulnerable children in Swaziland. We studied consecutive patients aged 50 years and older undergoing surgery for age-related cataract who reported having children living in their household. Of 131 subjects recruited, 65 (49.6%) were the primary caregivers for the child(ren) in their household. Visual acuities measured 2 weeks after surgery significantly improved. Four weeks after surgery, there was a sizable increase in the proportions of subjects who were able to undertake self-care activities, attend to activities of daily living, undertake income-generating activities and care for children. Cataract surgery on elderly visually impaired patients has the potential to impact positively on the care of orphans and vulnerable children.

Reference:

J Pons, W Mapham, B Newsome, L Myer, R Anderson, P Courtright, C Cook, The potential impact of a cataract surgery programme on the care of orphans and vulnerable children in Swaziland S Afr Med J 2012;102:140-141. March 2012, Vol. 102, No. 3 SAMJ

Opinion:

This study is distinctive, because it broaden cataract management consideration. Cataract management outcome will affect patient quality of life. Patients capability of seeing again after cataract surgery will influence his/her particular population. An extraordinary example is stated in this study, where orphans care will be improved by cataract management of their grandparents.  Actually, Swaziland has the highest documented prevalence of HIV in the world, resulting in a large number of orphans whose grandparents provide care for them. In this study, half the subjects reported being the primary caregiver for the child(ren) living in their homes, despite being visually impaired from their cataract. Visual acuities and the range of activities they were able to perform, including child care activities and income-generating activities, significantly improved following surgery.

Indonesia is rich in its soacial culture and high population diversity among. So that in cataract management program, we should pay attention on prticular aspect closely correlated to specific comunity uniqueness. So, this article is broaden our insight in arranging program to be extensive correspond to multi dimentional aspect of specific population condition.