SightLife is working in India since 2011 to eliminate corneal blindness by partnering with existing eye banks. It provides extensive support to partner eye banks and as a result their average utilization rate has increased from 17% to 67% over the years. Of the 22,858 corneal transplants performed in India in 2015- 16, more than 60% was contributed by SightLife’s partner eye banks. To strengthen its work in India, SightLife in collaboration with King George Medical University, Lucknow has opened its first eye bank outside United States. Uttar Pradesh, the highest populous state in the country was performing far behind in corneal blindness. Since Dec 2016 after the inauguration of new eye bank, transplants numbers have been growing steadily. To further strengthen its efforts in Uttar Pradesh, SightLife is adopting a comprehensive approach through which it is working on prevention, policy related issues, awareness creation and surgeon capacity building.This project aims to reduce corneal ulcer rates in 3 (Three) blocks of Sitapur District (Biswan, Leharpur, Tambaur) of Uttar Pradesh and build capacity for preventive corneal care at Sitapur Eye Hospital and in the greater hospital catchment area.

Objectives:

• Increase the number of corneal abrasions diagnosed and managed by trained Community Health Workers;
• Refer the patients to local vision centers and Sitapur Eye Hospital;
• Decrease the number of days between ocular trauma and first report to a care provider; and
• Decrease the incidence of corneal abrasions that progress into corneal ulcers.

Target Population and Location: The target population is residents in the Biswan, Laharpur, Tambaur block of the Sitapur District in Uttar Pradesh. The key beneficiary groups are those at highest risk of infectious keratitis: females, people from rural areas, agricultural workers, and those with less education. 

• ASHA workers are trained to identify and manage corneal abrasions. The training model includes an initial, in-person training at the start of the program, refresher trainings twice a year and group meetings every two months. ASHA workers has basic instruments and supplies to identify corneal abrasions and medications to provide first aid care to patients. There is a financial incentive for each abrasion and referral made.
• Primary care on management of corneal ulcers provided by Vision centers of Sitapur Eye hospital located in this area, Primary health centres and Community health centres. Health workers in Primary health centres and Community health centres trained on first aid care. For secondary and tertiary care patient can visit Sitapur Eye Hospital and Govt district hospital. A referral pathway is formalized from the local level through to the tertiary hospital. ASHA workers are trained on when, how and where to refer cornea patients as needed. Referred cases can be tracked and followed up in Vision Centres/base hospital.