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Publication Date

6-28-2024

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Presentation: 4:53

Poster attached as supplemental file below

Abstract

Improving eye health literacy in low-resource settings like Liberia is crucial for addressing prevalent ocular conditions and reducing preventable blindness. This project, undertaken at the Liberia Eye Center, describes the development of patient health education materials to empower patients with knowledge about eye health. Despite considerable progress in medical treatments, the gap in patient education significantly hampers the utilization of these advancements, leading to high rates of preventable eye conditions. The creation of culturally sensitive, medically accurate educational materials aims to bridge this gap. The development process began with discussions with the lead ophthalmologist at the Liberia Eye Center to identify critical knowledge gaps and needs in the community. The project team, consisting of ophthalmologists, fellows, a local Liberian artist, and MD-MPH students, collaborated to create materials that were both linguistically accessible and culturally appropriate. This was a cyclic process involving drafting, feedback from the ophthalmologists and revisions to refine the materials. The materials developed included easy-to-understand infographics on common conditions such as conjunctivitis, post-operative care, and ocular trauma prevention, designed to improve community engagement and health outcomes. This initiative not only supports the Liberia Eye Health Initiative's goals but also serves as a model for similar health literacy projects in other parts of Africa and beyond. By focusing on community-specific needs and leveraging local expertise, the project fosters a sustainable approach to health education, crucial for long-term improvements in public health. The ongoing development and distribution of these materials have the potential to significantly impact eye health management in Liberia, contributing to a decrease in blindness and visual impairment.

Lay Summary

Good eye health is essential for overall well-being, yet many people in Liberia, and similar places, suffer from preventable eye diseases due to a lack of knowledge about basic eye care. Our project at the Liberia Eye Center focuses on increasing eye health literacy—the understanding people have about eye health—which is vital in preventing eye diseases and blindness. Many people in Liberia do not have regular access to eye doctors and are often unaware of steps they can take to protect their vision. Diseases like pink eye, cataracts, and glaucoma are common, and without proper knowledge, many patients do not seek treatment in time or fail to follow the correct treatment procedures, leading to serious complications, including blindness. To address this, we developed educational materials tailored specifically to the local population’s needs. These materials include clear and simple instructions on how to manage common eye conditions, the importance of regular eye check-ups, and how to use medication like eye drops properly. They also provide advice on preventing eye injuries that can occur during everyday activities by using protective eyewear and other safety measures. The materials were designed to be culturally relevant, meaning they used language and images that the local community could easily understand and relate to. We worked closely with local eye care professionals to ensure the information was medically accurate and useful. By distributing these materials at the Liberia Eye Center and in the community, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to take control of their eye health. Education is a powerful tool in the fight against blindness. By improving understanding of eye health, encouraging preventive measures, and guiding people in managing eye conditions, we can significantly reduce the incidence of preventable blindness. This project not only helps individuals but also has the potential to strengthen the overall health system by ensuring that fewer people will need intensive treatment for advanced eye conditions. This initiative represents a step forward in making eye care accessible and understandable for everyone, contributing to healthier communities in Liberia.

Additional Files
202406_Rizvi_Anza_poster.pptx (4305 kB)

Language

English

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