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Background: Refractive errors are the commonest cause of vision impairment in Pakistan, but control efforts are hampered by a paucity of data for planning. To address these information gaps, a study design was developed to look at both the demand and supply sides. The objectives were to review the available human resources, determine the methods of provision of refractive services, determine the level and gaps in infrastructure available for refractive services, estimate the number of refractions provided and identify the training needs for these services. Methods: Stakeholder consultation between the National Steering Committee for Prevention of Blindness and the Pakistan Association of Opticians, to agree on objectives and method, desk research study, two population-based studies and situation analysis of refractive services provided by public and private sectors. Results: The prevalence of visually disabling refractive errors (visual acuity less than 6/12) is about 3.7% and rises with each decade after 30 years, mostly due to presbyopia. Over 6 million refractions are done annually by 868 ophthalmologists in the private sector, 235 hospitals, 1352 of the 2049 opticians and less than 200 optometrists. More than 2 million pairs of spectacles are dispensed per year. The training needs identified by opticians include optometry, refraction and contact lenses (65%), fitting of lenses and "edging" (57%), powering of lenses (45%), low vision (38%) and artificial eyes (35%). Conclusions: One of the strategies to control refractive errors is training and widespread deployment of optometrists/refractionists in public and private sectors. The current training programs cannot address the need; new programs must be set up, and existing programs must increase their intake. New programs are required for training dispensing opticians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides several updates related to the eye care industry. According to the article, Eye-care firm, Alcon Inc., has asserted that its fourth-quarter earning rose on higher sales of prescription drugs. In addition, Essilor of America Inc., leading manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses, has announces the availability of its Thin&Lite high-index product. Furthermore, the Canadian Association of Optometrists have also revealed that their Motion M-409 bill was passed unanimously in the Parliament.