Results
Two hundred and ninety-six children, ages zero to 10 years old, were screened for the ocular signs of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A capsules were distributed to all the children. Additional vitamin A capsules were left for the
trained healthcare workers and the family practitioners for future distributions.
Conclusion
The children and health care personnel in the DR benefited from the efforts of the eye care team. The education and general awareness for prevention of vitamin A deficiency was improved in 50 rural communities through the Cooperadores training and field experience provided in these three days. Finally, a number of clinical cases, some severe, indicated a significant challenge in preventing vitamin A deficiency in children in the DR.