Eyecare for All, a Service Design Approach
摘要
This paper investigates the critical issue of limited eyecare accessibility in India, a significant concern where 80% of blindness and vision impairments are preventable with early detection and treatment. It presents a comprehensive solution to the dire need for improved eyecare accessibility, particularly in rural regions where the prevalence of preventable blindness and vision impairments remains high. The core of this innovative approach combines a service model dedicated to expanding eyecare access and affordability with a sophisticated mobile application designed for preliminary eye condition screenings. The combined solution addresses the critical challenges of early detection and treatment by enabling users to conduct self-assessments for common vision disabilities such as cataracts, uncorrected refractive errors, and front-eye diseases remotely. The mobile app, an integral part of the service model, features a clinically mimicked vision test, a triage system to assess treatment urgency, and the capability for capturing detailed eye images. Aimed at empowering individuals regardless of their geographical or financial constraints, the paper details the development, usability enhancements, and the transformative potential of this service model and app to bridge the eyecare accessibility gap. Additionally, it outlines plans for further implementation and assessment, emphasizing a system thinking approach and close collaboration with stakeholders across the eyecare ecosystem to ensure scalability and impact. Through this pioneering combination of service design and digital tool, the initiative marks a significant leap towards reducing the burden of untreated eye conditions and advancing preventive eye health care in underserved communities.