Ophthalmologists' perceptions of the rehabilitation services for the irreversibly blind in Nigeria

Objective: To ascertain the perceptions of a cross-section of Nigerian ophthalmologists on various aspects of rehabilitation services for the irreversibly blind (IB) in Nigeria.Methods: The opportunity of an annual gathering of Nigerian ophthalmologists in Calabar, Nigeria, from the 7th to 11th September 2004, was used to conduct the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was given to each participant to fill. Information sought included their perceptions of the availability, adequacy, funding, and improvements needed for the rehabilitation of the IB in Nigeria. Results: Out of the 114 ophthalmologists who attended the congress, 69 participated in this study by submitting their completed questionnaires. There were low vision services in only 7 (41.2%) of the 17 ophthalmology institutions in which the respondents practice. However, educational facilities for training the blind existed in or around most (73.9%) of the locations of practice. The sponsoring agencies for these educational institutions were identified as: government (50%), missionary organizations (21.5%), non-governmental organizations (7.8%), and a combination of these (21.5%). Most ophthalmologists (87.9%), however, noted that parents should ideally be involved, alongside the aforementioned agencies, in funding the education of the blind. The integrated school model for educating blind children rather than the special blind school model was favoured by 78.7% of the ophthalmologists for better social interaction and to reduce costs. No ophthalmologist was of the opinion that the existing rehabilitation support services in Nigeria are adequate, and relevant suggestions for improved services were made. Conclusion: The Nigerian ophthalmologists who participated in this study were well aware of the optical, educational and rehabilitation support services needed for the IB. Their overwhelming verdict is that the support facilities presently available in Nigeria are grossly inadequate. They suggested a partnership between government, non-governmental organizations, and parents to mobilize resources for the needed improvements in the rehabilitation services for the blind. Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology Vol. 13(2) 2005: 58-6