Lesson 8: ART Critique a RAAB survey Copy

Magnitude and causes of avoidable blindness in India among the 50+ population

In 2007, the RAAB India Study group carried out a RAAB to determine the magnitude and causes of avoidable blindness in India among the 50+ population.

In this step, we ask you to read and critically review a peer-reviewed research paper on this study which was published in PLoS ONE in 2008.
Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness in India. Neena et al. PLOS ONE 2008

• Read or download the full paper now as a PDF

Discussion points: As you read the paper, consider the following:

1. Is the RAAB concept of only surveying people over the age of 50 valid?
2. Could selection bias have been a problem in this survey?
3. What does the paper have to say about the risk of blindness found with increasing age and female gender?
4. This RAAB found a different prevalence of blindness from a population-based survey undertaken in 1998-2001. Why do you think this might be?