Community-Based Eye Screening With Structured Referral Tracking for Preventing Avoidable Blindness in Adults in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorHealth Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan

About this trial

This cluster randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Structured Referral Tracking (SRT) intervention in improving referral completion among adults identified with avoidable blindness during community-based eye screening camps in Rawalpindi District, Pakistan. Ten community clusters will be randomized into intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group will receive structured referral counseling, weekly reminder calls or messages, and customized referral guidance for eight weeks, while the control group will receive standard referral procedures. The primary outcome is referral completion at a tertiary eye hospital within eight weeks after screening. Secondary outcomes include knowledge regarding avoidable blindness, treatment satisfaction, feasibility, acceptability, and barriers influencing referral completion.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Adults aged 18 years or above

Individuals diagnosed with visual impairment or eye conditions requiring referral to a tertiary eye care facility

Permanent residents of Rawalpindi District, Pakistan

Willing and able to provide informed consent

Disqualifiers

Individuals already undergoing treatment for the identified eye condition

Individuals requiring emergency ophthalmic care

Severe systemic or physical illness limiting follow-up

Individuals unable to provide informed consent

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Structured Referral Tracking (SRT)

Treatment groups

500 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators

Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan

Lead sponsor

Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital

Collaborator