Outcomes of school health programme - study at tertiary care centre

Abstract

Refractive error is most common cause of avoidable blindness and affects large proportion of school students. It has become hurdle for educational lost which leads to long term consequences of nation’s economic loss. Hence, visual screening of children on commencement of school will help in early detection of refractive error with better life and empowerment to children in future. To identify magnitude of types of refractive errors, amblyopia and congenital anomalies in school going children Material and Methods: 350 referred students aged between 6-17 yrs attending tertiary care hospital were assessed for V/A of distance, near along with anterior and posterior segment examination to determine magnitude of refractive error and their data were analyzed by chi- square test.350 students were examined at tertiary care centre. 309(88.3%) students were having refractive error.15 (4.3%) students were detected with media and fundus abnormalities and 10(2.8%) students were amblyopic. 221 students (63.1%) were Myopic (spherical equivalent of at least -0.50 D in either eye) with male predominance and 101(45.7%) students as low degree of myopia. 58(16.6%) were Hyperopic (+2.00 D or more with 32(55.2%) students falling under 5 yrs age group and 30(8.6%) students were Astigmatic (cylinder of > or = 0.75 D). An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Refractive error is serious health problem in school going children and its elimination requires integrated system from regular check up to providing spectacles and can lessen the low vision burden on society.