A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF VISUALLY DISABLED PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY EYE CARE CENTRE (GMC AKOLA) IN WESTERN VIDHARBA

The visual disability accounts for a significant portion of disability burden throughout India and shows higher prevalence rates in rural and semi-urban locations. The review examines visually disabled patient demographics who visit the tertiary eye care facility at Government Medical College (GMC) Akola which serves Western Vidarbha, Maharashtra. The research uses published literature together with institutional records and national health reports to analyze the demographic characteristics and clinical presentations and service use patterns of this population. The majority of visually disabled patients belong to the age group above 50 years and women experience higher rates of disability compared to men. Most patients who came from rural areas showed moderate to severe visual impairment according to their reports. Advanced cataract and uncorrected refractive errors together with glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy and corneal opacity and congenital anomalies were the main factors leading to visual disability. Patients typically delayed their visits until their conditions became advanced because they lacked awareness about eye problems. GMC Akola delivers eye care services through diagnostic assessments and surgical procedures and disability assessments and low vision rehabilitation and assistive aid distribution. The institution conducts regular outreach programs to reach rural populations located in peripheral areas. This review analyses current visual disability patterns from tertiary care facilities while assembling regional demographic information about GMC Akola's visually impaired patient population.