It is interesting you touched upon Vision Centres as a possible approach to reach out to those in need of eye care services. What are your observations on the role of VC, especially while we deal with the pandemic?
With the temporary shutdown of public transport, Vision Centres (VC) were one of the effective means to reach to patients who are stuck in the remote rural areas. During the lockdown, Greater Lions Eye Hospital launched free transportation and food services in ambulance to help people reach our hospital. To reduce the financial burden on individuals who couldn’t afford a cataract surgery, we charged a nominal amount of INR 2500 from patients and rest was borne by the hospital.
Yet, we soon realized the cost effectiveness of providing eyecare services lies with transitioning the primary screening at VCs, followed by visit to the base hospital wherever necessary. The fresh set of mobility guidelines and reduced restrictions declared by the Government of India from 1 June, is particularly helping the hospital to increase the patient flow and, resume the OPD & IPD services.
The Greater Lions Eye Hospital also worked with Orbis in transforming the Vision Centers to Green Vision Centers. How would you say it has helped during the current scenario?
Yes, and we are absolutely delighted to have partnered with Orbis India in converting 4 VCs of Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital located in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts of West Bengal into Green Vision Centers (GVCs). The GVCs were launched in April 2019 to provide reliable energy for delivering uninterrupted primary eye care services supported by a technology-enabled data management system for VCs.
One of the key challenges observed in the functioning of these VCs was the lack of a reliable energy source and access to quality data. To address these gaps, Orbis India installed renewable solar energy system and digital data management software (ICOM) in the 4 GVCs
The technical support provided through ICOM, particularly, came in handy in following up with referred patients and ensuring minimum dropouts. Times like COVID, particularly help you understand the significance of technology. With ICOM, we are not just managing the data effectively and transparently, we are also monitoring the performance of all GVCs from the base hospital.
Moreover, with reliable energy supply, patients are sure of getting required services at GVCs at any given point of time and the green initiative has been successful in building the trust among community. Through this sustainable approach, the 4 GVCs supported by Orbis have provided primary eye care services to 783 patients from April-June 2020.
Number of patients treated at the Green Vision Centres (April- June 2020)
GVC
| BAGDOGRA
| SHIBMANDIR
| MALBAZAR
| NAGRAKATA
|
April
| Closed due to lockdown
| Closed due to lockdown
| Closed due to lockdown
| Closed due to lockdown
|
May
| 86
(started from May 14th)
| 0
Closed due to lockdown
| 116
(started from May 14th)
| 8
(started from May 14th)
|
June (till 26 June)
| 165
| 59
| 311
| 38
|