World Health Forum. 1994 ; 15(2): 144-6.

With an eye to good practice: traditional healers in rural communities.

Chana HS, Schwab L, Foster A.

Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted, Mutare, Zimbabwe.

In Africa, certain traditional treatments for eye diseases can produce ocular damage and visual loss. However, many practices do not cause harm, and some may be beneficial. Traditional healers are often valuable resource persons, helping to provide an understanding of cultural beliefs and practices relating to eye disease, and delivering eye care at community level. These matters are discussed below with special reference to conditions in Zimbabwe.