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Background. For so long, corneal diseases have been known as one of the leading causes to blindness in the global. This blindness might be due to failure to accept the corneal transplantation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and the root challenges for corneal transplantation acceptance at the University of Gondar tertiary eye care and training center, Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who had an indication for corneal transplantation at the University of Gondar tertiary eye care and training center since January 1, 2017, up to October 30, 2018. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and entered into Epi-Info 7 software and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Simple logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of corneal transplantation acceptance. Associations between outcome and exposure variables were expressed by the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and p value <0.05. Result. A total of 116 patients with a mean age of 51 (±21) years participated in the study. The overall acceptance level of corneal transplantation was only 38.8% (95% CI: 29.93, 47.66). Patients with poor knowledge [AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.90, 6.48] and an unfavorable attitude [AOR = 6.33; 95% CI: 2.42, 16.54] were significantly associated with the acceptance of corneal transplantation. Conclusion. The study revealed that the corneal transplantation acceptance level was very low. Hence, the government and other concerned stakeholders should give due emphasis to the awareness creation and behavior change communication strategies to increase the acceptance level of corneal transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major microvascular complication of diabetes, has a significant impact on the world's health systems. Globally, the number of people with DR will grow from 126.6 million in 2010 to 191.0 million by 2030, and we estimate that the number with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) will increase from 37.3 million to 56.3 million, if prompt action is not taken. Despite growing evidence documenting the effectiveness of routine DR screening and early treatment, DR frequently leads to poor visual functioning and represents the leading cause of blindness in working-age populations. DR has been neglected in health-care research and planning in many low-income countries, where access to trained eye-care professionals and tertiary eye-care services may be inadequate. Demand for, as well as, supply of services may be a problem. Rates of compliance with diabetes medications and annual eye examinations may be low, the reasons for which are multifactorial. Innovative and comprehensive approaches are needed to reduce the risk of vision loss by prompt diagnosis and early treatment of VTDR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease can prevent blindness, yet many persons with diabetes lack regular eye care. This study followed 569 people with diabetes participating in blindness prevention programs during 1984 through 1987; it was found that 35% of subjects received dilated eye examination before entering the programs, in comparison with 60% afterward. About 85% of participants referred for proliferative retinopathy treatment began such treatment, and, of these, 85% completed treatment. A lack of knowledge about the disease and limited finances were primary reasons for non-adherence. To improve the effectiveness of prevention programs, eye care providers and program staff must strive to eliminate these educational and financial barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]