Abstract
At the time of independence, eye care services were provided by a few Christian missionary hospitals, Government hospitals and a few family owned Cottage hospitals. In 1950s and 60s, new eye departments were established in Karachi, Multan & Peshawar and also at Armed Forces’ hospitals. In spite of this, no organized eye care services were available to 80% of the population. Prof Hugh Taylor, a WHO Consultant, conducted a survey in 1980 only to find out that there was a gross human resource mismatch in Pakistan. Another survey and situational analysis carried out in 1998 showed a lack of trained manpower at all levels with poorly organized services and infrastructure at district level and a total lack of eye care services at THQ hospitals, Rural Health Centres and Basic Health Units. There was no referral pathway from primary level onwards.
