Evaluating the Integration Model of a Standalone Eye Centre Into Provincial Government Hospital

This study aims to evaluate the integration of a standalone eye centre into the Provincial Government Hospital in Kalaiya, Bara District, Nepal. The integration model seeks to improve access to comprehensive eye care services by combining the specialized expertise of an eye care facility with the infrastructure and patient flow of a provincial hospital. As the burden of avoidable visual impairment remains high in Nepal, strengthening service delivery at the district level has the potential to improve early detection, timely treatment, and continuity of care. 1 A mixed-method approach will be used to assess changes in service utilization patterns for example patient volume, follow ups and referrals following the integration. Additional focus will be placed on the acceptability of the integration model among patients, eye care professionals, and the hospital staff. This study will help to generate evidence-based recommendations to guide district-level planning for integrated eye care models by 2027.

Data will be collected from patient records, hospital statistics, patient and staff interviews. The findings are expected to provide evidence on the feasibility, challenges, and benefits of integrating specialized eye care units into provincial hospital systems in low-resource settings. Ultimately, the study aims to inform policy decisions, support scalable models of eye care integration, and contribute to improved eye health outcomes for underserved populations.