Br J Ophthalmol 2001;85:897-903 ( August )

World view

Blindness in Africa: present situation and future needs Susan Lewallen, Paul Courtright

British Columbia Centre for Epidemiologic and International Ophthalmology

Correspondence to: Dr Paul Courtright, British Columbia Centre for Epidemiologic and International Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, St Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada lewallens{at}aol.com

Accepted for publication 6 March 2001

AIMTo review the prevalence and causes of blindness in sub-Saharan Africa, the existing services and limitations, and the Vision 2020 goals for the future.
METHODSMethodologically sound population based surveys published in the past 20 years are reviewed and results for prevalence and causes of blindness are tabulated. The current resources and needs according to recent publications and international working groups are described.
CONCLUSIONSBlindness prevalence rates vary widely but the evidence suggests that approximately 1% of Africans are blind. The major cause is cataract; trachoma and glaucoma are also important causes of blindness. The bulk of blindness in the region is preventable or curable. Efforts should focus on eye problems which are universally present and for which there are cost effective remedies, such as cataract and refractive problems and on those problems which occur focally and can be prevented by primary healthcare measures, such as trachoma, onchocerciasis, and vitamin A deficiency. Major development of staffing levels, infrastructure, and community programmes will be necessary to achieve Vision 2020 goals.

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© 2001 by British Journal of Ophthalmology
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