Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study

Abstract

Odisha is home land of as many as 62 Scheduled Tribe Communities living in the State constituting 22.1 percent of the total population of the State and 9.7 per cent of the total tribal population of the country. Among them 13 Ethno-cultural Vulnerable Tribal Groups identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) reside in various parts of hinterland of Odisha. The Dongria Kondhs are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) inhabiting the lofty forest of Niyamagiri Hill ranges of Eastern Ghat spread across Bisam Cuttack, Kalyansinghpur and Muniguda blocks of Rayagada district. The population of Dongria Kondh is around 9659 spread over 100 villages with a sex ratio of 1352 females/ 1000 males. The health status of the Dongria Kondhs is poor due to high level of poverty, poor environmental sanitation and hygiene, and increased morbidity from water-borne and vector-borne infections. Poor knowledge on availability and access to public health care facilities resulting in increased severity and duration of illnesses. Moreover, social barriers and taboos preventing utilization of healthcare services increase vulnerability to specific endemic and communicable diseases. As per a study conducted by ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar on the health profile of the Dongria Kondhs, it was reported that around 20% of the Dongria Kondhs suffer from eye diseases/problems and even blindness. As a follow up the study was taken up, in partnership with LV Prasad Eye Institute, and covered 2 sample Micro Projects in Raygada district of Odisha inhabited by the Dongria Kondh wherein eye examination/screening will be conducted, and follow-up action will be taken to correct the blindness and any other eye diseases the PVTG suffers from. The study achieved 1. Decreased avoidable visual impairment or blindness due to uncorrected refractive errors in PVTGs in Odisha 2. Decreased avoidable visual impairment or blindness due to cataracts in PVTGs in Odisha 3. Documented the spectrum and magnitude of eye health problems among PVTGs in Odisha 4. Built an eco-system of eye health delivery through the collaboration of Government and local NGOs 5. Door-to-door screening and diagnosis of eye diseases of 2 sample Micro Projects inhabited by the Dongria Kondh PVTGs in the Raygada district of Odisha 6. Taken corrective measures to address eyesight problems, provide pair of spectacles for improved vision, and correction of refractive error 7. Referred to the closest District Hospital or LVPEI Secondary Centre at Rayagada and Bhubaneswar - treated under Non-paying Category for cataract surgery 8. Follow-up actions were taken for any other treatments of the eye.