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.
Des connaissances qui inspirent l’action. Des outils qui soutiennent le changement.
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.
Public Health
Articles on Eye Care or Ophthalmology [1995–2018] – Burundi
A curated list of research articles published between 1995 and 2018 focusing on eye care and ophthalmology in Burundi. Topics include blindness surveys, childhood blindness, HIV/AIDS-related eye diseases, corneal conditions, onchocerciasis, and trachoma.
Willingness and ability to pay for cataract surgery: a study in Tanzania
This report outlines strategies for effective district-level eye health planning in Africa under VISION 2020, emphasizing the use of local data to improve services for conditions like cataract, glaucoma, refractive error, and childhood blindness.
Articles on Eye Care or Ophthalmology [1995–2018] – Eritrea
A collection of published research on eye care in Eritrea from 1995 to 2018, covering topics such as avoidable blindness, cataract surgery, refractive errors, childhood vision impairment, and national efforts toward eliminating trachoma.
Articles on Eye Care or Ophthalmology [1995–2018] – Kenya
A comprehensive annotated bibliography of 147 peer-reviewed articles published between 1995 and 2018 related to eye care and ophthalmology in Kenya. Topics include blindness surveys, cataract, childhood blindness, glaucoma, trachoma, diabetic retinopathy, vitamin A deficiency, and more. This resource supports research, planning, and clinical practice in eye health across Kenya.
Articles on Eye Care or Ophthalmology [1995–2018] – Madagascar
A curated list of published articles from 1995 to 2018 addressing various aspects of eye care and ophthalmology in Madagascar. Topics include cataract services, childhood blindness, pediatric eye surgery, ocular trauma, task shifting in primary eye care, and rare ophthalmic conditions. The studies highlight both clinical and public health approaches to improving eye care across the country.
Articles on Eye Care or Ophthalmology [1995–2018] – Malawi
A comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed articles from 1995 to 2018 covering eye care and ophthalmology in Malawi. Topics include blindness surveys, cataract surgery, childhood blindness, HIV/AIDS-related eye conditions, malaria retinopathy, trachoma, refractive errors, traditional healing practices, diabetic retinopathy, vitamin A deficiency, and healthcare workforce development. This dataset reflects both clinical and public health perspectives on improving eye health services in Malawi.
Articles on Eye Care or Ophthalmology [1995–2018] – Mali
This compilation presents peer-reviewed research on eye care and ophthalmology in Mali from 1995 to 2018, with a primary focus on trachoma and related interventions. Topics include disease prevalence, control strategies, vitamin A deficiency, blindness, retinoblastoma, traditional practices, and the role of the African Institute of Tropical Ophthalmology in training and service delivery.
Articles on Eye Care or Ophthalmology – Niger [1995–2018]
A comprehensive overview of eye care research in Niger between 1995 and 2018, this document includes studies on blindness prevalence, trachoma control strategies, mass azithromycin distribution trials, and vitamin A deficiency. The findings reflect public health initiatives, epidemiological trends, and clinical interventions aimed at eliminating avoidable blindness and improving eye health in rural and underserved populations across the country.
Articles on Eye Care or Ophthalmology [1995–2018] – Rwanda
A comprehensive review of eye health research in Rwanda, covering blindness, cataract, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, HIV-related ocular conditions, trachoma, vitamin A deficiency, diabetic retinopathy, and national eye care system improvements.