IAPB consults panels of experts with considerable experience, to identify good practice and assist with the compilation of IAPB Essential Equipment Lists especially for use in in resource constrained settings. NGOs, Ministries of Health, District Health Services, eye clinics and hospitals can use the IAPB Essential Equipment lists to plan and purchase inventory.
Trachoma is the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness, particularly in the most vulnerable populations. Trachoma is estimated to blind one person every 15 minutes. Surgery is one component of the SAFE strategy to address trachoma. The IAPB Essential Equipment for screening and surgery for Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) list suggests a minimum set of items to perform high quality TT surgery under conditions prevalent in most endemic areas. It reflects the procedures and requirements outlined in the WHO’s Trichiasis Surgery for Trachoma (second edition, 2013) and is aligned with the conclusions and recommendations from the ICTC’s preferred practices Global Scientific Meeting in Trachomatous Trichiasis (2012). This list thus offers suggestions for instruments for alternative surgical procedures: Trabut surgery and two types of Bilamellar Tarsal Rotation (BLTR) Surgery.