RELEVANCE OF THE ALMA-ATA DECLARATION TO EYE HEALTH PROMOTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR BINOCULAR VISION OUTCOMES

Abstract

Health promotion is a vital part of primary health care (PHC) that enables individuals and societies to take control of their own health. The Alma-Ata Declaration emphasizes health literacy, disease prevention and control and community involvement as pillars of PHC for the early detection and diagnosis of health-related events. These pillars directly advance the 2030 Agenda by ensuring healthy lives and well-being (SDG 3), fostering the knowledge necessary for quality education (SDG 4), and sustaining a productive workforce for inclusive economic growth (SDG 8). This review aimed to evaluate the relevance of the Alma-Ata Declaration to eye health promotion and implications for binocular vision (BV) outcomes. A narrative review design was used to synthesize existing literature on the relevance of the Alma-Ata Declaration to the promotion of binocular vision. Published literature was synthesized through Google Scholar, PubMed, and African Journals Online electronic databases. Health education and behavioural interventions were associated with reduced digital eye strain and improved accommodative and vergence function. Community-based and school screening programs enhanced early detection of binocular vision anomalies. Policy-driven initiatives enabled large-scale screening and improved access to pediatric eye care. Multi-sectoral collaboration, including integration of education and technology sectors, improved diagnostic accuracy and functional visual outcomes. Integrating eye care into PHC facilitated early diagnosis, preventing long-term binocular dysfunction. Integration of Alma-Ata Declaration principles into modern eye care systems offers a sustainable approach to reducing not only avoidable blindness but also binocular vision dysfunction, which significantly impacts quality of life and productivity.