Description
CONTEXT
Access to cataract surgical services
remains limited in underserved
communities, largely due to infrastructural,
low eye health literacy and financial
barriers. While traditional outreach
strategies have been effective, they are
resource intensive. To address these
challenges, a community-focused surgical
in-reach strategy was piloted in Busia
County, Kenya, aiming to improve
efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility.
METHODS
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and
government Community Health Promoters
(CHPs) structures are leveraged for case
identification and referral. The surgical in-reach
strategy utilized CBOs and CHPs for door-to door
mobilization and line-listing of suspected
cataract cases (domiciliary
approach) Once cases were identified,
ophthalmic team confirms
diagnosis, and surgeries referred and
scheduled to nearby health facilities. Surgical team,
Integrating surgical in-reach within existing
health systems enhance access and align
with the 2030 In Sight Strategy, promoting
equitable access to cataract services. This
model supports health system strengthening
and fosters community ownership, ensuring
long-term impact. Scaling this approach can
bridge critical gaps in eye care, particularly in
remote, underserved areas.
Integrating surgical in-reach within existing health systems improves surgical efficiency by identifying cases early, promoting
targeted screenings and cutting costs.
Engaging CHPs, with thorough training, structured coordination with health facilities, and strong community sensitization,
builds trust, increases participation, and boosts service uptake.
The surgical in-reach model is cheaper than the outreach, a scalable solution that enhances access to cataract surgeries in
low-resource settings, benefiting vulnerable populations.
Strengthened community engagement,
enhanced pre-screening and patient
follow-up by CHPs led to a higher
number of identified cases receiving
surgery and reduced untargeted
screenings.
A budget cost KES 189,500 ($ 1,460), average 120 surgeries are
done per surgeon per week with this
model. The cost per surgery decreased
substantially, making the model scalable
and sustainable.
Leveraging local healthcare resources,
the model significantly lowered costs,
increasing access to high-quality
cataract surgeries.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) |
| Position | INTERIM PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER/PROJECT COORDINATOR |
| Received a Grant? | No |
