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

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

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

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Structured Referral Tracking (SRT)

    Behavioral

    A multi-component referral tracking intervention including referral counseling, weekly reminder calls or mobile messages, visual educational material, and customized referral guidance to improve referral completion after community eye screening.

Treatment groups

500 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: Structured Referral Tracking (SRT)Experimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Standard Referral ProcedureNo intervention 0 interventions

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Referral Completion Rate Verified Through Hospital Records

Proportion of referred participants who complete referral visits at the tertiary eye hospital, verified through hospital attendance records.

Time frame
Within 8 weeks after community eye screening

Secondary outcomes

1

Knowledge Score on Avoidable Blindness Questionnaire

Participant knowledge regarding avoidable blindness and eye health assessed using a structured questionnaire developed for the study.

Time frame
Baseline and 8 weeks after screening
2

Participant Acceptability of Structured Referral Tracking Assessed Using Structured Feedback Questionnaire

Participant acceptability of the Structured Referral Tracking intervention assessed using a structured feedback questionnaire regarding usefulness and satisfaction with reminder communication.

Time frame
Within 8 weeks after screening
3

Barriers Influencing Referral Completion Assessed Using Structured Barrier Assessment Questionnaire

Barriers and facilitators influencing referral completion assessed using a structured questionnaire among referred participants.

Time frame
Within 8 weeks after screening

Other outcomes

1

Participant Treatment Satisfaction Score Using Structured Satisfaction Questionnaire

Participant-reported satisfaction regarding referral services and treatment received at the tertiary eye hospital assessed using a structured satisfaction questionnaire.

Time frame
Within 8 weeks after screening
2

Feasibility of Structured Referral Tracking Assessed by Reminder Delivery and Follow-up Completion Rates

Feasibility of the intervention assessed through successful delivery of reminder messages/calls and completion of scheduled follow-up procedures.

Time frame
Within 8 weeks after screening

Sponsors and contacts

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Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan

Lead sponsor

Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital

Collaborator

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