Towards universal eye health in the Republic of Moldova: a global action plan 2014-2019

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of low vision and vision impairment was found to be 19.5% in people aged over 50 years in a Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness and Diabetic Retinopathy (RAAB+DR) survey conducted in Moldova in 2012.1 This means that there are approximately 169 000 people over the age of 50 years who have some form of low vision. The major causes of blindness and severe vision impairment are cataracts, glaucoma, age related macular degeneration and other posterior segment causes. The main causes of moderate visual impairment are refractive errors followed by cataract. Diabetic retinopathy was found in over half of the people aged 50 years and over who had diabetes, with 14.6% suffering from sight threatening retinopathy. These findings highlight the need to develop a national action plan on eye health care. Aim: To develop a National Eye Health Plan for Moldova. Method: A National Eye Health Plan based on the Global Eye Health Action Plan2 adopted by the Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly will be developed for Moldova to address the causes of avoidable blindness and rehabilitation needs of those with permanent or untreatable vision impairment. Discussion: The goal of Global Action Plan is to reduce avoidable visual impairment as a global public health problem and secure access to rehabilitation services for the visually impaired. The Moldovan National Eye Health Plan will incorporate strategies in line with the Global Action Plan focusing on comprehensive services that include treatment, health promotion, prevention and rehabilitation services. Integration of eye care and rehabilitation services into the health system with proper development of human resources, financing, medicines and technologies will be a feature of the Eye Health Plan. This will also include strategies to improve access to eye care and rehabilitation services for all. The National Eye Care Plan will contribute to reducing visual impairment and ensuring equitable and affordable access for all to good quality eye care and rehabilitation services in Moldova.