Journal of Ophthalmology of Eastern Central and Southern Africa December 2014 Role of health extension workers in eye health promotion and blindness prevention in Ethiopia

Background: The scarcity of eye health work force in developing world where low vision and blindness are major public health problems is well known. Integrating Primary Eye Care (PEC) with existing general health care system at community level is therefore crucial. However, there is lack of such integrated PEC service in Ethiopia. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of Health Extension Workers (HEWs) on PEC and the availability of infrastructure and basic supplies for PEC services. Methods: A cross sectional community based study was conducted in Southwest Ethiopia from December 2012 to February 2013. A total of 165 HEWs were selected randomly and data pertaining to socio-demography, knowledge, attitude and practice were collected with face-to-face interview. Results: One hundred and fifty eight (95.8%) HEWs were aware of blindness but only 16(9.7%) knew the definition of blindness. The common causes of blindness mentioned were trachoma 100(60.5%), eye trauma 63(38.2%) and cataract 61(37%). Majority of the HEWs, 132(80.0%), believed that eye disease is a priority problem in their community and 100(60.6%) HEWs believed that PEC services can prevent blindness. Seventy seven (46.7%) HEWs felt that they are capable of providing PEC service while 123(74.5%