EYE HEALTH CARE PROJECT

Evaluation covers the period 9/79-9/80 and is based on discussions with project personnel and the Director General of Health. Achievement of the planned outputs is slower than expected. An International Eye Foundation paramedic instructor has completed work at the San Felipe Eye Clinc and Blind School to familiarize herself with the major ophthalmic problems in Honduras and is also working with the ophthalmologist in Tegucigalpa to introduce a primary eye care delivery and referral system. The instructor has designed a curriculum for training professional and auxiliary nurses in ophthalmic care. Some 78 of the planned 100 auxiliary nurses have completed training, and two of three targeted Honduran professional nurses have been trained as eye care instructors in Puerto Rico (although one of the two trained is not working at all and the other only on a part-time basis.) On the other hand, training is still in the planning stages for 24 professional nurses in advanced eye care, supervision of auxiliary nurses, and teaching ophthalmic skills. Classes are also still in the planning stage for 150 nurse auxiliaries presently in school and for another 150 auxiliaries posted in rural health centers (CESARES) through the region in-service education meetings. Institutionalization of the project is threatened by a shortage of personnel and stronger priorities in other areas of health care. The project, however, does call attention to the importance of eye problems and is establishing a base to expand prevention of eye diseases in the future. It is recommended that MOH assign eye care instructors to continue the program; that eye training be integrated as a standard component of graduate and auxiliary nurse training; and that a representative from the Government of Honduras assume overall responsibility of the project"s activities. This project taught the need to select host country participants who will continue the training program after project completion.