Abstract / Summary
Introduction. Access to comprehensive eye care services is essential for improving the overall eye health of the population by providing adequate opportunities for diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye-related issues. In 2020, an estimated 8.2 million people in Tanzania experienced vision loss, including 290,000 individuals who were blind. Most cases of visual impairment and blindness are preventable and treatable. There is limited data on eye health human resources and infrastructure in various regions of Tanzania, including Iringa, which has a population of over 1.1 million. Most eye care services are available within health facilities in Iringa Municipality. This study aimed to assess the availability of eye care services and identify the most prevalent eye problems in selected health centers within Iringa Municipality, Tanzania. Matériels et méthodes. A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted among 333 health workers in July 2023. Eight health centers in Iringa Municipality were included: Iringa Regional Referral Hospital, Aga Khan Primary Medical Centre, IMECC Hospital, UMAT Health Centre, Frelimo District Hospital, Ngome Hospital, Ipogolo Health Center, and Mkwawa Health Center. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel to calculate frequencies and percentages. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics review committee of the University of Dodoma. Résultats. Only two surveyed health facilities had a professional eye specialist. Most eye care workers were untrained. Access to diagnostic tools was limited, with pen torches and Snellen charts being the most common. Common eye conditions diagnosed and treated included conjunctivitis, trachoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy, with many other conditions referred to higher-level hospitals. Eye care services provided included vitamin supplements, eye ointments/drops, spectacle services, and cataract surgery, though the latter was rare. Conclusion. There is a shortage of trained eye health workers and limited diagnostic resources in Iringa Municipality, highlighting the urgent need to enhance and expand eye care services through better policies, education, improved tools, screening programs, and consistent supply of high-quality materials and drugs. Messages clés. There is a critical shortage of trained eye health workers in Iringa Municipality. Diagnostic resources for eye care are limited in the surveyed health facilities. Common eye conditions like conjunctivitis and trachoma are prevalent, but many complex cases require referral to higher-level hospitals.