The Gambia National Eye Health Survey 2019

The Gambia National Eye Health Survey 2019 was the third national survey in The Gambia completed by ICEH and collaborators.

The survey was designed to provide nationally representative data on vision impairment, blindness and its comorbidities in adults aged 35 and older and compare this data to population eye health in 1986 and 1996.

Alongside a comprehensive eye examination, the survey will provide data on important comorbidities: diabetes, hypertension, hearing impairment, musculoskeletal impairment and mental health. It will also assess access to assistive technologies and awareness/affordability of eye health services. Thirdly, it is powered to allow a five-year follow up cohort study to measure the incidence and progression of eye disease.

Data was collected between Feb – July 2019, with results forthcoming in 2021.

Acknowledgements and funding

The survey was funded by The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Trust Commonwealth Eye Health Consortium Grant. Project partners included the National Eye Health Programme (NEHP) in The Gambia, and the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Publications 

Team 

  • Principal Investigators: Dr. Abba Hydara – Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist & Head of Clinical Services, Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, The Gambia
  • Prof. Matthew Burton – Professor of International Eye Health, LSHTM
  • Co-Investigators: Dr. Islay Mactaggart – Assistant Professor, ICEH (Research Coordinator)
  • Dr. Omar Badjie – Programme Manager of the Gambia’s NCD Programme at the Ministry of Health
  • Dr. Andrew Bastawrous – Associate Professor in International Eye Health, LSHTM
  • Dr Suzannah Bell – Honorary Research Fellow, LSHTM
  • Dr. Modou Jobe – Research Clinician (Cardiologist), Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
  • Mr. Bakary Sonko – Programme Manager and Coordinator of the Gambia’s Mental Health Programme at the Ministry of Health