Low vision evaluation training in Nigeria: Time to improve human resource in developing countries

Routine low vision care is a rarity in Nigeria and in most developing countries. The reason for the widespread apathy and lack of human resource development in this area is myriad. The Center for Vision, The Lens Rehabilitation Center for the Blind located in Portharcourt, Nigeria sought to correct this by working to revive interest and thus improve human resource available through provision of quality hands on training with world renowned scholars and faculty . Records of all who registered for two separate Low vision training courses at TLEC re(Hab) Nigeria between 2018 and 2019 were audited. Number of courses taught, participating faculty, gender and age distribution of trainees, previous training accessed by trainees, pretest scores and post test scores were compared. Numbers actually practicing low vision after 3 months of conclusion of the training and outcome of feedback questionnaires were also evaluated using a simple calculator. Fifty eyecare workers (42 in one day training and 8 over 2 weeks) with mean age of 33.6years and gender ratio of 1:2.3 were trained in two batches. There were 26 faculty available to teach both online and physically. Previous exposure to training was absent in the one day group while the two week group had just one. The courses taught were mainly on low vision evaluation(50% in the one day , 44.29% in the 2 week course) with additional courses on early intervention, rehabilitation of the blind and evaluation in special kids with additional problems. The hands on sessions were significantly better in the two week training with a third of the periods available dedicated to stepwise approach in low vision evaluation.

A comparison of pretest and post test scores showed there was an exponential improvement in understanding between the one day and the two week training of up to 50 % increase which reflected in the numbers able to refer appropriately and evaluate low vision patients in the country when the one day and 2 week groups were compared. There was a general consensus that the two week training was more preferred. Empowerment with relevant low vision charts and device equipment significantly improved the numbers still practicing 3 months after training ended when compared with those who were not given any by as much as 400%. In conclusion, low vision needs dedicated and well trained staff who compulsorily need to be empowered to function with provision of required equipment especially in developing countries where the majority of the need for low vision aids and assistive devices appear to be.