On-site Primary Eye Care Training for Health Workers
Heart to Heart Foundation, in partnership with L’OCCITANE Korea, is implementing a blindness prevention project in Battambang, Cambodia.
In September, a Primary Eye Care training was conducted for 20 health workers responsible for the prevention
and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs),
such as diabetes and hypertension, across 17 health centers in Thma Koul Operational District.
As NCD-related complications such as Diabetic Retinopathy have emerged as one of the leading causes of vision loss,
it has become increasingly important to strengthen the capacity of local health workers in eye health management.
1 in 3 people with diabetes is known to suffer from an eye complication called Diabetic retinopathy, and the longer a person has diabetes,
the higher their risk of developing this condition becomes. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness and visual impairment.
Accordingly, Heart to Heart Foundation aims to take a step further in preventing blindness by integrating eye health services
into non-communicable diseases (NCDs) management in the Battambang region.
As the first step toward providing integrated NCDs care, including eye screenings, at health centers,
this training focused on helping participants understand the risks of eye complications caused by NCDs
and on incorporating eye screening into NCDs management.
Practice-based Training Led by Local Eye Specialists
Practice Session on Eye Examination and Eye Injury Management
Ophthalmic staff from Battambang Provincial Referral Hospital participated as trainers,
and the Training program was designed to build practical,
hands-on skills applicable in the field — covering topics from basic ophthalmology theory to eye examinations,
disease screening, and referral procedures.
Meaningful Progress Observed Through the Training
Average Scores Before and After the Training
The impact of the training was also evident in the numbers.
According to the pre- and post-training assessments,
the average score rose significantly from the 60s to the 90s.
Among the 20 participants, 15 achieved high scores above 85, and notably,
one participant who had scored only 11 before the training achieved 80 afterward — an impressive improvement of 69 points.
The training proved effective in enhancing the understanding of eye health and strengthening
the practical skills of health workers involving in managing NCDs, including eye care.
Building on these results, integrated NCDs care that incorporates eye health services
is expected to be implemented more effectively across community health setting.
Future Directions
On-site Primary Eye Care Training for Health Workers
Health workers who completed the Primary Eye Care training will carry out the following activities
for NCD patients at their respective health centers:
- Conduct basic eye screening for NCD patients
- Refer patients with suspected eye diseases to upper-level hospitals
- Promote awareness of the prevention and management of eye complications caused by diabetes and hypertension
Also, they will serve as focal persons for eye health at each health center, providing basic eye examination
and treatment services for patients presenting with ocular symptoms.
Anticipated Impact
Group Photo of Training Participants
These changes will enable early detection and prevention of NCD-related eye complications ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate treatment.
By providing eye screening services alongside diabetes and blood pressure checks during a single visit,
the integrated health service will become more efficient and accessible.
We hope that the people of Battambang will be able to live their daily lives with healthier vision,
and that sustainable eye health services will take root within the community.
Heart to Heart Foundation will continue its commitment to promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in underserved areas,
working to ensure that everyone can see the world with healthy eyes.
Caring for Sight & Love your Eyes
