REGIONAL MODELS OF SOCIAL REHABILITATION FOR PATIENTS AFTER TRAUMATIC EYE INJURIES: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND ADAPTATION OPPORTUNITIES IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Introduction. Traumatic eye injuries represent a significant medical and social problem requiring a comprehensive approach to organizing rehabilitation care at the regional level. Over 55 million cases of ocular trauma occur worldwide annually, resulting in 1.6 million cases of blindness and 19 million cases of monocular vision loss. Traumatic eye injuries are characterized by high disability rates among working- age population, substantial impact on patients' quality of life, and considerable socioeconomic burden on healthcare systems. The problem becomes particularly acute in military conflicts, where combat-related eye injuries account for up to 13 percent of all military personnel injuries. The aim of the study is to substantiate organizational mechanisms for developing regional models of social rehabilitation for patients after traumatic eye injuries based on analysis of international experience and identification of effective practice adaptation opportunities in Ukraine. The methodological section employs a systematic approach using bibliosemantic method for analyzing scientific publications in Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases for 2020–2024, content analysis of international guidelines on rehabilitation care organization, comparative analysis of rehabilitation models in countries with different economic development levels, and modeling of intersectoral collaboration organizational mechanisms. The main material presentation characterizes the epidemiology of ocular trauma and its socioeconomic consequences, analyzes international models of rehabilitation care organization after traumatic eye injuries, including experience from the USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Israel and other countries. Components of comprehensive rehabilitation are presented: medical, psychological, vocational and social, along with the role of intersectoral collaboration in ensuring rehabilitation process continuity. A conceptual model of regional social rehabilitation system is substantiated with definition of organizational structure, coordination center functions, patient routing mechanisms and effectiveness monitoring indicators. Conclusions emphasize the necessity of creating an integrated regional rehabilitation system with clear coordination between medical, social and educational services, implementing multidisciplinary approach, utilizing digital technologies and adapting international rehabilitation care standards to Ukrainian context considering wartime specifics.