Journal article

The situation of low vision services in Papua New Guinea: an exploratory study

M Marella, M Yu, P Paudel, A Michael, K Ryan, S Yasmin, H Minto

Clinical and Experimental Optometry | TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD | Published : 2017

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the current situation of low vision services and barriers to low vision service delivery in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Methods: An exploratory study was undertaken to assess the situation of available services, human resources, training, equipment and assistive devices, supportive policies, needs of people with low vision and community attitudes toward people with low vision. In-depth interviews with 50 key informants were conducted in-country. Key informants included eye-care practitioners (n = 13), special education teachers (n = 10), community-based rehabilitation workers (n = 3), other stakeholders providing disability-related services (n..

View full abstract

University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

This study was supported by an Avoidable Blindness Initiative grant through the Australian Government's Aid Program. The authors acknowledge PNG Eye Care for providing on-ground logistic support. The authors also acknowledge the assistance provided by Vision Australia and Centre for Eye Research Australia for research advice and Vilas Kovai for reviewing the manuscript.