Project Summary

Background: Retinal diseases are a major cause of irreversible visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, retinal detachment, and retinitis pigmentosa can significantly reduce visual function if not detected and managed early. Globally, 1.1 billion people experience vision loss, with 43 million blind and 295 million having moderate to severe visual impairment. In developing countries, retinal diseases are increasingly recognized as leading causes of visual loss following cataract. However, in Guyana, the prevalence, spectrum, and associated degree of visual impairment from retinal diseases remain unknown.

Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence and patterns of retinal diseases and assess the degree of visual impairment associated with each condition among patients attending the Ophthalmology Clinic at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional chart review will be conducted on all patients seen at GPHC from January 2019 to December 2021 with a retinal pathology diagnosis. Data collected will include demographics, ocular and systemic history, diagnostic findings (clinical exam, ultrasonography, OCT where available), and presenting visual acuity. Descriptive statistics will summarize prevalence, patterns, and visual impairment categories. Associations between socio-demographic factors and degree of visual impairment will be explored using bivariable logistic regression.

Expected Outcomes: The study will provide the first comprehensive overview of retinal disease burden in Guyana, identifying leading retinal conditions and the severity of associated vision loss. Findings will inform advocacy, planning, acquisition of diagnostic tools (e.g., OCT), and the development of specialized retinal services to improve early detection and patient management.

Funder: Self

Project status: Data collection and management

Principal Investigator: Dr. Arlene Bobb-Semple

Email contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SRF Investigators: Dr Atwine Daniel, Caroline Birungi and Teta Joanna Ikiriza

Expected end-date: April 2026