Methodology published for the Nakuru eye disease cohort study
June 6, 2014

To date, no longitudinal, population-based studies of eye disease have been undertaken in Africa, and there have been only ten worldwide, predominantly in high-income settings.

Nakuru district (now Nakuru County), is the main district of Kenya’s largest province, the Rift Valley and has a population of 1.6 million. Nakuru district is broadly representative of Kenya in terms of ethnic diversity and economic activities.

The six-year Nakuru eye disease cohort study aims to provide estimates on the incidence and progression of: cataract, refractive error, glaucoma, ARMD and DR as well other retinal conditions. This data will be disseminated to eye care providers and programs in the region to facilitate the provision of eye care services.

A new paper from the investigating team, published in BMC Ophthalmology, describes the definitions, eligibility criteria, follow-up procedures, visual acuity (VA) measurements, anthropometry and clinical examination procedures adopted for the study.

The Nakuru eye disease cohort study: methodology & rationale