Optometric support to Pacific Angel--Nepal 2012

In September 2012, Pacific Angel (PACANGEL)--Nepal 2012 was conducted in Kaski District, Nepal. Health services were provided in optometry, family medicine, pediatrics, physical therapy, midwifery, dentistry, and pharmacy. This report is on optometric care provided. 995 patients were examined. Mean age was 41.34 (median 43). Mean entering distance visual acuity was 20/57 in the right eye, 20/60 in the left. Mean spherical error was +0.08D in the right eye, +0.09D in the left. For those patients with astigmatism, mean cylindrical error was -0.74D in the right eye, -0.54D in the left. A near addition was prescribed for 51.8% of the patients. Cataract was diagnosed in 24.17% of the patients. Other prevalent nonrefractive diagnoses were dry eye (18.17%), conjunctivitis (12.0%), and pterygium (5.17%). Eye and vision care is lacking in Nepal. Sporadic episodes of care have considerable impact on those patients receiving treatment. However, to substantially treat the greatest worldwide cause of visual impairment, local sustainable resources are imperative. Provision of care by local, linguistically competent practitioners would better suit the needs of those in need of care. Those involved in humanitarian missions could be a significant source of training such caregivers.