Comm Eye Health Vol. 26 No. 84 2013. Published online 20 December, 2013

Do vitamin A deficiency and undernutrition still matter?

Having enough nutrient-rich food to eat prevents stunting, blindness, and death in young children. Abidin Erna/HKI
Having enough nutrient-rich food to eat prevents stunting, blindness, and death in young children. Abidin Erna/HKI

Although great strides have been made to address vitamin A deficiency in children, there are still many countries where vitamin A deficiency remains a problem. As eye care professionals, we can do a lot to inform and educate communities about nutrition in general and how families can improve the diet of young children, thereby also preventing them from becoming vitamin A deficient. This issue gives some practical examples of what you can do either in the clinic or during outreach and includes advice on how to manage a child with xerophthalmia and what urgent action is needed to reduce the risk of blindness and death.

Articles in this issue –

Continuing professional development –

News and notices –

Further information about this issue –

Consulting editors for Issue 84: Clare Gilbert and Susanne Wedner