Ocular Health in Eye Screening Camp at a Rural and an Urban Setup in Western India – A Comparative Analysis

Aim: The healthcare disparities between rural and urban populations are a global concern, with significant association for public health policies and resource allocation. This study provides a comparative analysis of eye screening outcomes from an urban region and a rural village in Western India to explore these disparities within a localized context. Methodology: Ophthalmology screening camps as a part of outreach programs by the Indian Armed Forces were organized at two locations to screen and assess visual acuity and to diagnose various ocular conditions among attendees of the camp. Data were entered in MS Excel 2016 and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage. Results: The data from 116 participants in urban and 124 participants in rural regions were analyzed, focusing on age and sex distribution, visual acuity measurements, and causes of specific ocular morbidities in the participants. The results indicated a higher mean age of attendees in the rural setup compared to the younger patients in the urban area. Cataract, untreated glaucoma, and neglected and undiagnosed serious ocular conditions were more prevalent in rural camp sites, contrasting with a higher incidence of easily rectifiable causes of ocular morbidities such as refractive errors and physiological presbyopia in urban set up. Conclusions: These results underscore the diverse ocular conditions and specific care needs of rural versus urban populations and highlight the importance of tailored services to address specific challenges. By identifying and understanding these differences, healthcare policymakers and practitioners can better design and implement targeted interventions to reduce disparities and improve outcomes in diverse communities.