Lao PDR Launches ECSAT Report to Guide National Eye Health Strategy 2026–2030
Lao PDR has successfully completed a comprehensive national Eye Care Situation Analysis Tool (ECSAT) assessment, providing critical baseline data to inform the development of the National Strategic Plan for Eye Health 2026–2030.
Key Summary Findings:
- Leadership and governance: Eye health in Lao PDR is led by the Ministry of Health with support from the National Ophthalmology Center (NOC) and the Lao Eye Care Working Group. Stronger integration into national plans and clearer coordination will further enhance governance.
- Eye care service delivery: Eye care services are delivered through a three-tiered health system, with NOC as the sole tertiary referral centre, supported by provincial and district hospitals and NGO-led outreach. However, significant gaps remain in primary eye care integration and systematic integration into the national health system.
- Eye care workforce: Although the WHO-recommended ratio for ophthalmologists is met, the eye health workforce in Lao PDR remains limited in size and highly concentrated in urban areas. Training opportunities exist, yet uneven distribution, limited subspecialty development, and the absence of a national workforce strategy constrain capacity and sustainability.
- Eye care information: Eye health data is collected but not well integrated, key indicators like CSR and eCSC are not routinely tracked, and limited disaggregation and data use hinder equity-focused planning and quality improvement.
- Medical products and technologies: Ophthalmic medicines and equipment are available in many facilities, but access to essential diagnostics, consumables, and assistive products remains inconsistent and often unaffordable, particularly outside urban areas. Fragmented procurement and supply chain systems contribute to stockouts and limit continuity of care.
- Eye care financing: National Health Insurance covers 94.5% of the population, but many essential eye care services remain excluded, leading to high out-of-pocket payments and underscoring the need for stronger domestic financing and insurance support.
With the ECSAT conducted and report released, Lao PDR is poised to embark on a well-informed journey toward ensuring equitable access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive eye care.
Reference: Phoxay C, Detleuxay K, Holanouphab K, Siharath K, Latsavongxay N, Youn HM, and D’Esposito F. Eye care in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: 2025 Eye care situation analysis tool (ECSAT) Report. London: The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) 2025.
