Community Engagement as a Tool for Improving Efficiency of Primary Eye Care Delivery: Case Studies from Two Different Models

Abstract

Background: Delivery of healthcare services needs to be rooted in frameworks supporting community
engagement. Our organization delivers primary eyecare through two different models. These case
studies quantitatively analyse the impact of community collaboration on the effectiveness of these
models-camps and vision centres.
Methods: Camp data from two rural blocks of north India comparing first year of operations in 2016
with that of 2017; April-September 2017 data from two underperforming vision centreswas compared
to data from same period in 2018.Natural interventions in camps included visits of local leaders to
surgical centre, health talks spreading awareness regarding eyecare plusour organization, and local
partners helping counsel patients, while for vision centres,staff was trained to conduct regular health
talks and meetings in nearby villages. For camps, before and after data on attendance, proportion of
people over 50, proportion of people getting operated among those advised and acquisition cost were
analysed,for vision centres referral from these centres wereanalysed.
Results: Parameters for both models showed improvement inthe second year.
Conclusion: Sustained presence in the community and collaboration with local stakeholders increases
effectiveness of service delivery at primary level.