Laos

Blindness in Laos

Laos (officially known as Lao People’s Democratic Republic) is a Southeast Asian country with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. However, the country continues to have a challenging healthcare situation. Laos has a small private health system, and wealthier citizens usually seek medical care outside of the country. Unfortunately, the majority of its population cannot afford to do so, and many will never get the treatment they need.

In September 2017, the World Health Organization announced that Laos had eliminated trachoma, an eye infection that leads to blindness, as a public health problem. However, cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal scarring are still big issues.

The IAPB reported that there is a serious shortage of ophthalmologists who cannot manage the high number of cataract cases in the country. Also, about 80% of the population lives in rural areas where there is limited access to medical facilities. Due to its mountainous terrain, transportation in Laos is extremely difficult. Outreach programs are the main source of treatment for eye conditions, which is why organizations like SEE International are incredibly important.