Lewallen Susan Lewallen – författare

Traditional healers are plentiful and are culturally accepted health care providers throughout Africa and much of the developing world. Until recently, however, few traditional healers have been involved in primary eye care activities. Findings from existing collaborative programmes suggest that healers can be a positive force for community-based prevention of blindness.The aim of this publication is twofold: Section 1 gives brief background information on traditional healers and explains why they should be involved in the prevention of blindness activities; Section 2 makes specific recommendations for working with healers and may serve as a training manual.

The book is written for use by health care workers involved in the primary eye care of leprosy patients, particularly in leprosy endemic areas. It is designed for use as a trainer''s manual in a structured teaching setting with practice at examination. Using this trainer''s manual, together with the companion volume, Guide to Ocular Leprosy for Health Workers, the trainer will teach the health worker to do the following tasks: recognize, record and manage eye complications from leprosy; recognize, record and manage other common eye diseases; make appropriate referrals to specialized eye care centers; and impart eye health education.Written clearly and concisely, this book serves as a valuable guide for primary eye care workers and paramedical workers involved in the care of leprosy patients.