Empowering community to prevent visual impairment and cataracts in rural areas

A suitable technique for visual impairment and cataract screening is needed for community empowerment. This study aims to measure the effectiveness of the screening method for severe visual impairment and blindness through the SEE method (using finger counting) and cataract detection through the Light the Pupil method was carried out by cadre. This study employed a quasi-experimental design without a control group, with a pre-test administered before the intervention. For the SEE method, cadres were divided into 3 treatment groups receiving video tutorials, modules, and roleplay, while in the Light the Pupil method, all cadres received one training treatment. The trained cadres then conducted these two model methods to assess 951 participants for SEE and 905 for Light the Pupil. Ophthalmologists compared the results of the cadre examination with those of the LOCS III examination. Cataract examination with the "Light the Pupil" method has a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value score of 80.44%, 88.64%, 78.94%, and 89.54%, respectively. The SEE method examination by the key informants for screening severe visual impairment and blindness produces sensitivity 87%, specificity 95%, PPV 49%, and NPV 99%. The video method has the highest result, with sensitivity and specificity at 100% and 96%, followed by roleplay at 83% and 92%, and module at 77% and 95%. Cadres' "Light the Pupil" examination and SEE method effectively detected severe visual impairment, blindness, and cataracts in cases of medium to severe lens opacity in the community.