Good progress is being made on all the projects objectives, some of which have already been exceeded.
12 August 2009
16 community health centres were equipped with basic eye care tools and equipment, such as vision acuity chart with light, direct ophthalmoscope, trial lens and eye care education booklets.
122 community health workers from these centres were trained in community-based screening and patient education. These health centres now have the capacity to provide primary eye care services to the local people.
Another 30 eye care providers from the four project hospitals were trained in evidence-based prevention, detection and treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
6,023 diabetes patients were screened for retinopathy.
1,158 retinopathy patients received evidence-based treatment.
23,688 diabetes patients were educated in the need for early detection of diabetic retinopathy at primary care facility settings.
716,000 people were informed about prevention of blindness from Diabetes Mellitus through public awareness campaigns, such as mass media (local TV, radio and internet), and special days (national eye day, world sight day and world diabetic day).
A two day event was held at Shanghai Libraryís Exhibition Hall. There were 48 health organizations/hospitals/drug companies and more than 15,000 people participated. Shanghai Aier Eye Hospital was involved, and screened 594 diabetic patients, referred 48 patients with diabetic retinopathy for further diagnosing and treatment, and distributed information and educations materials to all.
