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Publication

Improving access to eye care for older people: experiences in South Africa.

Abstract

Older people need greater access to good eye care: 82% of people living with blindness worldwide are over 50, even though they only represent 19% of the world’s population. In South Africa, the 80% of people who are unable to afford expensive private medical insurance are reliant on the state to provide affordable health care. Older people have access to primary health clinics in the community where many of their health needs are met, free of charge. However, eye care has mainly been provided by private optometrists (usually based in city centres) and at district and university teaching hospitals, which have been struggling to cope with the demand.

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Type
Journal Article