Assessment of human resource for eye health services in Southern Ethiopia

The findings of this study indicate that the current human resource capacity for eye care in southern Ethiopia remains below the recommended thresholds outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the IAPB Africa Strategic Plan. Furthermore, the distribution of eye care professionals is uneven, with the majority living in urban centers, whereas many rural areas remain critically underserved. These disparities suggest the need for more targeted workforce planning and support for rural deployment. However, these conclusions should be interpreted cautiously, given the study's reliance on self-reported data and the absence of a standardized urban‒rural classification. Addressing the quantitative and geographic gaps in human resources for eye health will be essential for improving equitable access to services in the region.