UiT The Arctic University of Norway|Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology|Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology|Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology|Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology|Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology
previous studies shown despite increasing availability cataract surgery important socioeconomic barriers exist acceptance surgery many rural areas south asia nepal developed comprehensive national network eye hospitals surgical coverage treatment cataract blind still lowto determine utilisation cataract surgery level physical psychosocial impairment socioeconomic barriers surgery group nonacceptors surgeryof 319 cataract patients identified field screening 96 nonacceptors surgery interviewed 1 year offer undergo surgery interview included questions visual function quality life socioeconomic variables acceptance cataract surgery quality life questionnaire based field validated protocol addressing impact visual impairment physical psychosocial functions questionnaire adapted local conditions pretesting data analysed degree visual impairmentof 319 cataract patients identified 455 accepted surgery men accepting surgery readily women rr 131 95 ci 104167 significantly greater acceptance surgery men nonblind group acceptance rate significantly higher blind group rr 174 95 ci 136222 compared patients impairment vision severe loss vision 96 nonacceptors interviewed 13 accepted surgery second counselling frequent reasons given accepting surgery economic 48 logistical 448 constraints followed fear surgery 333 lack time 188 half subjects complained problems self care 10 needed help basic every day activities 177 said needed help visit neighbours 26 needed help attend field marketit found population majority patients severe vision loss blind even offered transport free surgery utilisation cataract surgery 60 medicine tends prescriptive based technological advances able offer medical practice needs develop holistic understanding needs communities cultivating greater capability analyse role cultural social economic factors planning medical services population