Paper Title
Ocular Morbidity in The Rural Community of Sindhupalchowk, Nepal

Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the pattern of ocular morbidity in the rural community of Sindhupalchowk, Nepal so that eye health status could be addressed by designing and implementing preventive and curative strategies. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A total of 733 patients attending the satellite eye clinic in the Ramche VDC from 16 October 2015 to16th December 2015 were included in the study. A comprehensive eye examination was carried out. Of all patients, there were 416 males and 317 females. The commonest ocular morbidity was refractive error (57.02%), followed by dry eyes (11.35%) and cataract (10.78%). 28 patients did not have any ocular morbidity. In line with various previous studies, this study also found refractive error as the commonest morbidity. A significant proportion of patients with visually impairing cataract is suggestive of poor surgical coverage in the area and reluctance by patients to undergo the surgery. This study will help with the success of future eye health programs in Nepal. Index terms - Cataract, Nepal, ocular morbidity, refractive error