Project Canvas-Back in the Marshall Islands

Using the catamaran boat "Canvas-Back" during May 1987, a whole-population ocular survey utilizing modern equipment and ophthalmic subspecialists was conducted on one of the atolls (Wotje) in the Marshall Islands. A relatively low prevalence of ocular pathology, especially of cataract, infectious disease, and nutritional blindness was found. A far greater need exists for refractive services than for surgical ophthalmic care. The only exception is related to the high incidence of hyperglycemia, which indicates that greater efforts in the treatment and prevention of retinopathy are required.