Support for a remote ophthalmology screening project in Cambodia

In Cambodia, access to ophthalmology care is uneven in urban areas, making it difficult for rural residents to obtain appropriate medical care. Cataracts are a particularly serious cause of blindness, and there is an urgent need for early detection and treatment. To address this issue, Chugai Pharmaceutical in collaboration with the Specified AMDA-MINDS *¹ and a general incorporated association en Vision*² provided support for a project that will bring high quality ophthalmic medical care to local residents for the second time, continuing from last year.

[Background of the project]

In Cambodia, the prevalence of blindness is estimated to be 0.37% in the general population, and 2.5% among those 50 years of age or older. It is predicted that the number of people suffering from blindness will continue to increase due to population growth, aging of the population, and longer life expectancy. 92.2% of causes of blindness are avoidable, of which 80.9% are treatable and 11.3% are preventable. However, about 60% of these ophthalmologists are concentrated in the capital Phnom Penh, and the rest of the world has a serious shortage of ophthalmologists. The number of ophthalmologists is 5.12 per 1 million people, which is about half of the 10 people recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Against this background, in Cambodia, there is a need for telemedicine ophthalmology examinations. *³

[Project details]

For approximately one month from August 6 to September 4 in 2024, the project was implemented at two medical facilities in Kandar province, Cambodia. The subjects were residents aged 20 years or older. A total of 164 people took part in the screening. In the project, visual acuity test and anterior segment examination were performed using a smartphone-based ophthalmic medical device. This has allowed ophthalmologists in urban areas to screen patients in remote areas for early treatment.

[Project results]

This project led to early detection of cataracts and other eye diseases. In particular, three of the patients diagnosed with cataracts underwent surgery, and their vision recovered. In addition, by adding educational activities to the initiatives, the understanding of eye diseases was deepened, and the awareness of all participants was increased. On the other hand, many residents hesitated to seek medical attention for financial reasons, highlighting the issue of the low rate of visiting medical institutions among individuals requiring medical attention.

• Schedule: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to Wednesday, September 4

• Population: ≥ 20 years old, resident of Kandar

• Implementation items :

  Medical examination: visual acuity test, visual function and eye positioning, anterior eye examination, questionnaire survey 
  Awareness: Viewing educational materials
  
  

• Health checkup results

       Number of subjects who underwent screening: 164 (Prevalence rate: 75.6%, of which cataract was most common in 254 eyes, ophthalmology consultation rate: 3.6%)

       Cataract surgery rate: 3.0%

       Cataract severity: 8% severe, 28% moderate

A remote ophthalmology screening project in Cambodia is a major step forward to improve access to healthcare in rural areas and light of hope for many residents. We will continue to support this effort to further enhance access to ophthalmic medical care.

*1;  AMDA-MINDS (AMDA Multisectoral and Integrated Development Services)
       https://www.amda-minds.org/english/

*2; en Vision
       https://www.envision.or.jp/en

*3;  JICA Ophthalmic Remote Diagnostic Service
　    https://libopac.jica.go.jp/images/report/1000048533.pdf