Community ophthalmology: An overview
- Author:
Maria Victoria A. Rondaris
- Publication Type:Other Types
- From:
Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology
2009;34(1):1-3
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Community ophthalmology: an overview Community ophthalmology, also known as publichealth ophthalmology or preventive ophthalmology, has been attracting attention in the ophthalmological world. This delivery of eye care involves preventive, curative, promotive, and rehabilitative activities, making it a holistic approach (Figure 1).1 With clinical ophthalmology at its core, it incorporates basic, clinical, and public-health sciences in its dimension. It highlights the realignment from individualized care to community-based eye-care services (Table 1).1 Community ophthalmology is much more than ophthalmic practice in the hospital or clinic. It is foreseen as a health-management approach in preventing eye diseases, lowering eye morbidity rates, and promoting eye health through active community participation at the ground level. Comprehensive eyecare service must start where people live and work, and such is the thrust of community ophthalmology. Prevention and promotion should begin among the people. Thus, public eye health is evolving into one of the most challenging areas in eye care.
