Eye Health of Priests and Novices in Rural Area
Watanee Jenchitr MD*, Chalao Pongprayoon MD*,
Nisa Sothornwit MD* Pongpuck Choosri BSc, MS**,
Chawewan Yenjitr BE, MA***, Mongkhol Tapunya BSc****
Affiliation :
* Department of Ophthalmology, Priest Hospital
** Department of Ophthalmology, Ratchburi Hospital
*** International Health Policy Program
**** Department of Academic affair, Priest Hospital
Background : Early detection and treatment of eye diseases is important to minimize visual morbidity and
permanent visual loss in general and priests’ population.
Objective : To evaluate eye health status, visual acuity and eye diseases of the priests and novices, to estimate
the prevalence and causes of visual impairment, and to provide eye health education.
Material and method: Between May 2006 and March 2007, the priests and novices in selected village
(stratified population cluster random sampling) of 22 provinces in The First National Survey of Blindness and
Visual Impairment Program in Thailand (TVIP) had their visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP)
measured and eye examined by ophthalmic nurses. An ophthalmologist examined the anterior and posterior
segment and took fundus pictures.
Results : Two hundred sixty eight priests and novices were examined. Their age ranged between 12 and 88
years with a mean of 48.5 years. Most priests and novices had normal vision (20/20-20/40 - 67.54%). No priest
and novices had bilateral blindness. Almost half (48.13%) had eyeglasses and 2.24% had bilateral low
vision. Unilateral low vision and unilateral blindness were 3.73% and 3.36%. One eye blindness and one eye
low vision was only 0.37%. Refractive error was the leading cause of visual impairment (22.39%), followed by
cataract (17.54%), glaucoma (5.97%), vitreo-retinal diseases (1.49%), and glaucoma suspected (occludable
angle and ocular hypertension) (3.35%).Fifty five priests (20.52%) were referred for further investigation and
treatment.
Conclusion : Because the mean age of the priests and novices in this survey was only 48.5 years, the prevalence
of visual impairment was low. Most of the cases were avoidable or preventable. The implementation of an
effective screening program and access to eye treatment with standard of care remains a priority for the priests
in rural areas. For sustainable development, eye health education must be promoted.
Keywords : Eye health, Eye disease screening, Prevalence of eye diseases, Sustainable eye care, Eye health
education, Priest, Novices, Rural Thailand
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