This systematic review evaluates the practice of task-shifting trichiasis surgery from specialized eye health workers to general health workers in trachoma-endemic countries. It examines surgical outcomes, productivity, and implementation challenges. While generalists can perform surgery with comparable quality to specialists, their productivity remains low due to systemic issues like poor supervision, lack of supplies, and inadequate support. The review emphasizes the need for focused training, better oversight, and dedicated personnel to effectively reduce the burden of trachomatous trichiasis.
Knowledge that drives action. Tools that support change.
Resources
At KCCO, we believe that sharing practical knowledge is just as powerful as delivering care.
Our growing resource library supports eye care professionals, program managers, policymakers, researchers and educators across Africa with tools designed to strengthen systems, train teams and scale sustainable impact.
Whether you’re developing a national plan, launching a hospital program, or conducting training in remote areas. These resources are built to inform and empower your work.
Ophthalmic Nurses
Microfinance and Health
This review from the explores the evidence supporting task-shifting in eye care, specifically the training and use of non-physician cataract surgeons (NPCS) to address cataract-related blindness in Sub-Saharan Africa. Given the shortage and poor distribution of ophthalmologists, NPCS (often clinical officers or ophthalmic nurses with additional training) have been deployed in several countries to increase access to cataract surgery. The report analyzes their effectiveness, quality of surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and productivity, with case studies from Kenya, The Gambia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Ghana. While the evidence shows that NPCS can deliver high-quality surgeries, particularly when well-trained, supervised, and supported, issues such as post-training deployment, resource availability, and systemic health barriers remain challenges. The review concludes that while NPCS are not a universal solution, they are a viable strategy in underserved areas and should be integrated thoughtfully into national eye health programs.
Human Resources Development for middle level eye-care workers in Eastern Africa
A regional report summarizing strategies and challenges in developing human resources for eye care in Eastern Africa, with a focus on training and deployment of mid-level eye care workers to meet VISION 2020 goals.