Abstract Issue

Volume 13 Issue 8 (August) 2024

Original Articles

A Study Of Visual Disability Certificate Issued From 2017 To 2022 In A Tertiary Care Centre In Rajkot
Dr. Vimal J Vyas, Dr. Neha, Dr. Sunita Verma, Dr. Ashish Pandey

Introduction:India has the world's largest number of blind people, with vision impairment causing an estimated $411 billion in annual productivity losses. Around 12 billion blind people lived in India in 2007, accounting for 15% of the world blind population at the time. Registration of blond or partial sighted individuals in India requires certification by an ophthalmologist. The rights of person with disability act 2016 outlines the responsibilities of safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities in states. The minimum degree of disability for an individual should be 40%, and certification offers benefits and welfare measures. Vision loss is a major concern, with causes including eye damage and brain failure. Reduction in visual impairment from avoidable causes is due to increased eye care services and awareness. Visual rehabilitation involves assistive technology, supportive devices, and training to help individuals fulfill their lives and work in demanding roles. Material and methods:-The study, conducted at P.D.U. Government Medical College, Rajkot, was a retrospective 18-month study on visual disability certificates issued from 2017 to 2022, collected online from UDID. Results:-The study analyzed 500 cases of visual disabled patients at G.T. Sheth Eye Hospital in Rajkot, India, seeking visual disability certificates. The majority of cases were male, with 67.6% of cases being male, compared to 32.4% for females. The study also revealed that one eyed individuals are not eligible for benefits or concessions, but one-eyed certificates are helpful in cases of multiple disabilities. The causes of visual disability were categorized into categories I (40%), II (75%), III/IV (100%), and one-eyed (30%). Causes included ocular atrophy, physical eye, retinal degeneration, macular degeneration, leukokop/adherant leucoma, old residual deattachment, glaucomatous optic atrophy, pathological myopia, chronic retinopathy, chorionicretinopathy, advanced diabeticretinopathy, colonoma, embolism, mummylomia, amyloidosis, retinal retinopathy of promaturity, microcornea, choronic uveitis, squint, anterior stomatolite, and eviscerated.. Conclusiom:-This study reveals that visual impairment is more common among males aged 21-60, with retinitis Pigmentosa being more common. Early diagnosis is crucial for patients to maximize their visual potential. Genetic counselling and testing can help identify those at risk. All patients with visual disability should undergo low vision evaluation, training, and supportive counseling. Policy makers should recognize the loss of independence related to visual disability, and continue to evolve visual rehabilitation services through education and outreach programs. The study also found that 4.6% of patients were one-eyed, suggesting the need for revising categories for visual impairment.

 
Html View | Download PDF | Current Issue

Get In Touch

IJLBPR

322 Parlount Road Slough Berkshire SL3 8AX, UK

ijlbpr@gmail.com

Submit Article

© IJLBPR. All Rights Reserved.