Design and implementation of a community-based surveillance protocol to promote visual health in older adults
Abstract
Introduction. Visual health in older adults faces increasing challenges due to the high prevalence of eye diseases and limited access to specialized services. In Colombia, conditions such as presbyopia, cataracts, and glaucoma significantly affect the quality of life of this population. The objective of this research was to develop a community-based surveillance protocol implemented through religious communities to promote visual health in older adults in the Engativá district. Methodology. This qualitative, interpretive, and descriptive study with a participatory approach was carried out in six stages: (1) convening a focus group of older adult religious community leaders from the Engativá district in Bogotá; (2) conducting clinical optometric examinations of older adults for visual health diagnosis; (3) providing training in visual and ocular health to religious leaders; (4) design of the surveillance protocol; (5) validation of the protocol with experts; and (6) dissemination of the protocol. Results. The clinical assessment, involving 111 older adults, identified a high prevalence of presbyopia (43%), cataracts (9%), and other ocular pathologies (32%). Six religious community health sentinels were trained, who developed competencies in the early detection of risk factors and the promotion of visual health in older adults. In addition, the surveillance protocol was designed and validated for subsequent dissemination and implementation in the Engativá district. Discussion. The protocol was integrated with private visual health initiatives to strengthen the implementation of the community-based surveillance pathway for visual health in the Engativá district. Conclusions. The protocol represents a replicable and effective tool for promoting visual health under the leadership of religious communities and has strong potential for implementation in other districts of Bogotá
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