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Global Ophthalmology
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Rapid assessment of prevalence of blindness and cataract surgery in Kabul province, Afghanistan
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  • Published on: 18 September 2021
    Re: Rapid assessment of prevalence of blindness and cataract surgery in Kabul Province, Afghanistan
    • Chin Han Tan, Junior Doctor Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

    Dear editor,

    I appreciate that the time this study was conducted was during a political turmoil in the country, and I applaud the effort to recruit participants during this difficult time. This article has shed light on the differences in prevalence of visual impairment between the male and female population. Noticeably the number of male participants with complete blindness was 3832, in contrast with the female participants of 6015. Unfortunately, there is no breakdown of data for causes of blindness and visual impairment between the male and female population. Perhaps it would help explain the phenomenon.

    The article has addressed the issue that there was difficulty obtaining female participants for this study due to the lack of female eye health personnel. Could this also mean that there is a lack of access to eye care for women for prevention of blindness.

    The article begged a question as to where Afghanistan should focus its efforts when it comes to eye care. Perhaps a very important effort is to recruit more female ophthalmologist in the country to allow better access to eye care for the female population. Hopefully this will be taken into consideration in the country's effort to combat blindness when the political climate allows.

    Conflict of Interest:
    None declared.