[Present status and development of prevention of blindness and ophthalmic epidemiologic studies in China].

Blindness prevention and ophthalmic epidemiology studies in China have obtained greatest progress in the past five years since 2005. For example, the secondary sampling epidemiologic study of disabled persons in China in 2006 showed that the major causes of blindness and vision impairment were cataract (56.7%), retinal and uveal diseases (14.1%) and corneal diseases (10.3%). Important blindness prevention projects, such as "Sight first, China action" stage II project and "Free cataract surgeries for one million poor patients" project, have achieved their goals. From 2005 to 2009, 3.871 millions of cataract surgeries were performed in China, and the cataract surgical rate increased to 796.2 per million population in 2009. Cataract surgery obstacle-free areas have been built in 673 counties, 70 cities and 2 provinces since 2007. The visual performance of 175,501 low-vision patients have been improved by low-vision aids, and 47,009 blind persons have been offered walk mobility training course. Furthermore, achievements and progress have been obtained in primary eye care, prevention and treatment for trachoma, childhood eye diseases and diabetic retinopathy. These results has met the requirements established by Chinese government, but has not reached the goal of "Vision 2020". Certain problems still exist in China, including low cataract surgical rate, major avoidable blinding diseases not eliminated, and lack of innovative and profound epidemiological studies. Future Chinese ophthalmic epidemiology studies may focus on original investigation and molecular research. In order to realize the goal of "Vision 2020" and eliminate avoidable cataract blindness, all kinds of eye care services should be integrated, and various prevention and treatment strategies with low cost and superior quality for cataract, retinal diseases, corneal diseases, trachoma, refractive error, low vision, and glaucoma should be used.