Visual outcome of cataract surgery

The aim of this study was to assess whether the visual outcome of cataract surgery in the institution was in accordance with the World Health Organization recommendations. In this retrospective case series, all patients who underwent cataract surgery by a single surgeon from January 2009 till June 2011 were included. Date were collected from medical records on age, gender, visual acuity and causes of sub-optimal outcome. The main outcome was best-corrected visual acuity in the operated eye, measured 4 - 6 weeks after surgery. Data on visual outcome was grouped using WHO's classification. Of the 495 eyes that underwent cataract surgery, 58% were female. Overall, 93.3% of the operated eyes had good visual outcome, while 4.4% and 2.2% had borderline and poor outcomes, respectively. Pre-existing diseases accounted for 93.9% of the borderline/poor outcome. The study showed good visual outcome of cataract surgeries performed using phacoemulsification with intraocular lens [IOL] insertion

Socio-economic evaluation of the parents of patients under treatment at the oncology unit of the national institute of child health [NICH]

To evaluate the socio-economic status of the parents of patients under treatment at the Oncology unit at NICH. The Child Aid Association [CAA], an NGO, supports the totally free care at the above unit through public donations. The period of study was June 2006. A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was carried out by interviewing the parents of patients. 72% of the patients were males and 28% were females. About 60% of the patients were from Karachi while the rest were from other cities and villages. 65% of the people had between 3-6 members in their immediate family and 35% had more than 7 persons in their immediate family. 78% had monthly incomes between Rs.1000 - Rs.6000, 10% also had other sources of earning [investment/property] 70% lived in only 1-2 rooms. Similarly, 70% did not own any means of transport with only about 30% having cycles or motorcycles. Most of the people seeking treatment for cancer belonged to the low socio-economic class and were usually part of a large family. A single family member supported the rest of the family in most cases with no other source of income. Many were living as tenants or with many families sharing one house. Many of those living outside Karachi were either unemployed or living on minimum wages as laborers for big landlords. Most had no means of bearing any medical expenses and can't afford treatment other than in government institutions or seek support from NGOs for their wards. The numbers in the figures showing the prevalence of large families and low wages indicates low levels of literacy amongst the majority other than those on small government posts