Status of Ophthalmic Education and the Eye Health Workforce in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Countries

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the capacity for ophthalmic education in the 8 South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries and to determine the need and future projections of eye health professionals in the region. Design: This was a retrospective study and comprised desk review and Web-based questionnaire. Methods: Developed in the Asia Pacific region, the Capacity Assessment Tool for SAARC Eye Care Education, a Web-based survey mechanism derived from a 12-point framework, was used to collect data on the number of ophthalmologists and other eye care personnel, training institutions, and capacity for training in each SAARC country. Results: There are an estimated 1..