Beacons of Hope: SIOVS and CBM

Abstract

Background: The successful implementation of the Peek Solution in Sindh was significantly supported by the Sindh Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (SIOVS). This initiative was fully funded by Christian Blind Mission (CBM) under the project titled "Promoting Inclusive Comprehensive Eye Care Services by Adopting Peek Solutions in the Province of Sindh (Peek Project)" (Project No. P-10054 -SINDH-MYP). SIOVS was instrumental in training healthcare workers, providing technical expertise, and integrating the Peek Solution into the existing eye care infrastructure. The Peek Solution, a mobile-based technology, enables comprehensive eye examinations and streamlines patient management to improve accessibility and efficiency in eye care.
Aim: This study aims to assess the impact of the Peek (Portable Eye Examination Kit) Solution on eye health services in Sindh Province, Pakistan.
Methods: A mixed-method approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data, was employed. The intervention involved training healthcare workers in both rural and urban health centers across Sindh Province to use the Peek Solution for screening, diagnosing, and referring patients with eye conditions. Data was collected from 2021 to July, 2024 period, evaluating key performance indicators such as the number of screenings conducted, referral rates, patient follow-up compliance, and the satisfaction levels of healthcare providers and patients.
Results: The implementation of the Peek Solution resulted in a significant increase in eye screenings, with a 60% rise compared to the previous year. Referral rates to specialized care improved by 55%, and patient follow-up compliance increased by 30%. The resulted showed interesting improvements were seen in Sindh Programmes in Q1 2024. In Q1 2024, 99% of true positives and 1% false positives screened. In Q3 2023, 69% of true positives screened by end of Q3 2023.
Healthcare providers reported high satisfaction with the usability and efficiency of the Peek Solution, noting its potential to streamline workflows and enhance patient management. Patients also provided positive feedback, appreciating the improved accessibility and convenience of eye health services.