This project will establish a multi-phase, comprehensive child eye health network in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and a training center in Shanghai. Within Shanghai municipality, the project will scale up SEDPTC's successful myopia prevention efforts, and in Ningxia will build on SEDPTC's models of myopia treatment/prevention and care of children's eye disease.
The rate of myopia among children and adolescents in China has remained high and the number of myopias is rising. It has become a big issue that affects the future of our next generation. Refractive errors, among other eye diseases, are the most prevalent yet also most easily curable. However, lack of adequate eye care capability and public awareness exacerbate the problem. The situation is exactly what's happening in Ningxia, one of the western poor provinces in China.
This project will establish a multi-phase, comprehensive child eye health network in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and a training center in Shanghai. Work with Ningxia Eye Hospital to set up the pediatric and optometry eye care center and conduct the pediatric and optometry eye care service capacity building for 10 county/prefecture level hospitals in Ningxia, which includes basic optometry equipment improvement, screening and referring, eye care professional training, eye health education etc.
By reducing the burden of uncorrected refractive errors and providing enhanced access to high-quality pediatric ophthalmic and low-vision services, we will improve children's quality of life and increase educational opportunities in Ningxia and Shanghai.
