Page 122 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition May-Junel 2022

RESEARCH:

INCLINATION OF

OPTOMETRY STUDENTS TO

WORK IN RURAL INDIA

ndia battles an acute shortage of Optometrists
in rural areas. To better understand the factors
Iaffecting the decision of Optometry students
to work in rural areas after graduation, the
Optography Research Team conducted a Survey
for research purpose in the Indian scenario. The
aim of the survey was to create awareness about
Optometry practice in rural areas as blindness MD. ZAKARIA MIDYA
and vision impairment continue to be significant OPTOMETRIST | EDUCATOR |
public health problems in India. 285 million ANALYST, FOUNDER & CEO AT
people are estimated to be visually impaired OPTOGRAPHY
across the globe, of whom, 39 million are blind
and 246 million living with low vision. services can considerably create a supportive
environment. Implementing preventive
The burden of visual impairment in India measures can also help make a difference.
is estimated at 62 million; of these, 54 million
persons have low vision, and 8 million are blind. 3. Vision screening can be a supportive
In 2019, the rural population (% of the total resource, and offering affordable or free
population) in India was reported at 65.53%, spectacles and/or eye drops can be quite
according to the World Bank collection of helpful.
development indicators, compiled from officially 4. Eye health education can also help in
recognised sources.
spreading awareness. Varied effective eye
There are a few strategies that may overcome care awareness campaigns and health
the visual issues in rural areas if the following is programs in schools can also help put out
aggressively incorporated: useful information.
1. Attracting eye care professionals to rural areas RESEARCH DESIGN:
and retaining them can help strengthen the
eye care workforce. This research was based on a cross-sectional
survey of undergraduate Optometry students in
2. Improving eye care infrastructure at rural India's eastern, western, southern, and northern
vision centres and offering follow-up care zones. All undergraduate Optometry students

118 THE INDIAN OPTICIAN MAY-JUNE 2022 RESEARCH