Ways to optimize healthcare for glaucoma patients to mitigate risks of the disease development

UDC: 
614.2-007.681
DOI: 
10.21668/health.risk/2026.1.16.eng
Authors: 

O.A. Bolbachan1, G.K. Omorova2, N.M. Asanova2, M.A. Mambetov1

Organization: 

1Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University named after B.N. Yeltsin, 44 Kievskaya Str., Bishkek, 720000, Kyrgyz Republic
2Kyrgyz State Medical Academy named after I.K. Akhunbaev, 92 Akhunbaeva Str., Bishkek, 720020, Kyrgyz Republic

Abstract: 

Glaucoma is the leading cause for ophthalmological disability. The disease determines the global dynamics in prevalence of the diseases of the eye and adnexa, the Kyrgyz Republic included. Such risk factors as elevated blood pressure, patient’s age, heredity, and diabetes mellitus are largely considered basic causes of loss of eyesight. It seems quite relevant to improve healthcare provided for glaucoma patients at various levels since the disease diagnostics remains an issue open for discussion so far. Glaucoma screening should be performed by primary healthcare experts.

Our analysis of glaucoma patients’ health in the Kyrgyz Republic has revealed that elevated blood pressure is typical for 97.0 % of them. The risk factors for the disease include patient’s age over 40 years (93.0 %), hereditary predisposition (91.3 %) and diabetes mellitus (79.0 %).

We suggest a systemic approach to improving ophthalmological healthcare for glaucoma patients. It is based on developing a network of glaucoma consulting rooms and centers together with implementing effective patient routing at every level in the public healthcare system. Regular screening among people older than 40 years and patients with concomitant diseases has been shown to be an effective instrument for diagnosing glaucoma at its early stages thereby reducing the risk of disability and loss of eye sight.

The following is required to improve high-quality healthcare for glaucoma patients: a before-doctor consulting room at family medicine centers; an ophthalmology consulting room at family medicine centers; an ophthalmology consulting room in polyclinics of the National Hospital and regional hospitals, in the Republican Diagnostic Center, in the Medical center of the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy named after I.K. Akhunbaev; ophthalmological departments in the National Hospital, regional, municipal or territorial hospitals in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Tonometry has been shown to be mandatory for patients aged older than 40 years and those with concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease) within primary healthcare provision. In case glaucoma is suspected, a patient is sent to a glaucoma consulting room to be provided with regular medical check-ups, consultations, and in-depth examination. A glaucoma center is the next stage in providing high-quality healthcare; it is a coordinating link in providing ophthalmological care to glaucoma patients.

Keywords: 
glaucoma, risk factor, prevalence, screening, primary healthcare, glaucoma consulting room, glaucoma center, medical examination
Bolbachan O.A., Omorova G.K., Asanova N.M., Mambetov M.A. Ways to optimize healthcare for glaucoma patients to mitigate risks of the disease development. Health Risk Analysis, 2026, no. 1, pp. 167–175. DOI: 10.21668/health.risk/2026.1.16.eng
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Received: 
18.11.2025
Approved: 
11.02.2026
Accepted for publication: 
26.03.2026

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