[Ophthalmological screening via a hospital boat: field study for planning future health care services in remote villages at the Volta Lake in Ghana].

BACKGROUND

A maiden voyage on a hospital boat was carried out to determine the spectrum of ophthalmological diseases in a rural and secluded area on the Volta Lake in Ghana in order to improve future health care services.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Portable water, electricity, and an operating theatre were available on the hospital boat. Visual acuity was determined using Snellen E charts, and Lea boards were used in children up to the age of 4 years. The anterior segments were examined using hand held slit lamps. After pupil dilation indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy was performed and tonometry was carried out using a Perkins tonometer

RESULTS

A total of 1,246 citizens were examined. The mean age was 23.7 years and the mean visual acuity was 6/6 (log MAR 0.0+/-0.3. The main cause of blindness was a cataract with 45.8%, followed by pathological conditions of the optic disc with 29.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

The hospital boat is suitable for screening and for carrying out minor extraocular operations. Looking just at the technical aspect, it is possible to perform major intraocular operations on the hospital boat. However, due to the lack of immediate follow-up visits, it is advisable to carry out major operations in the next eye clinic on shore.