CAUSES OF BLINDNESS IN PATIENTS WHO CAME FOR BLINDNESS CERTIFICATE IN TERTIARY EYECARE INSTITUTE OF OPHTHALMOLOGY IN WESTERN INDIA DURING THE YEAR 2019-2021

Purpose: To analyse applications of blindness certicate to nd out causes of blindness in tertiary eyecare Institute of Ophthalmology in western India. Methods: Data was collected from patients coming to tertiary eyecare Institute of Ophthalmology in western india during the course of 2 years from 2019 to 2021. Patients were explained about the procedure and written consent was taken. After thorough examination, nal diagnosis was made.. In this study patients with blindness impairment > 40% who were entitled to government benets were taken. All patients were analysed and categorised according to age group and aetiology. The visual impairment percentage was given to them by using disability percentage and denition proposed by International Classification of Disease 11 (ICD 11, 2018) Results: and then compared with other studies. 200 patients who came for blindness certicate at our institute were included in our study. Out of this, 29% belonged to 46-60 year age group. 136 patients (68%) were found to be 100% visually disabled and eligible for all benets and concessions. Retinal diseases were the commonest cause for visual disability in the age group between 46-75 years (23%). Retinal diseases were the commonest cause fo Conclusion: r visual disability in elders. In age group 0-15 year, retinal diseases and retinitis pigmentosa were the main reasons for visual disability. These type of studies help in population based surveys to plan, implement and supervise eye care health services.