Background: Individuals with colour vision impairments have a significant probability of misjudging colour. This high risk of colour-related inaccuracies is crucial for evaluating the ability of an individual to distinguish between different hues. The Waggoner computerised colour vision test (W-CCVT) is a novel colour test designed to detect colour vision deficiencies. Aim: This study aimed to validate the performance of the W-CCVT relative to that of the anomaloscope and Ishihara tests. Setting: This study evaluated the W-CCVT relative to standard colour vision tests by recruiting 52 participants with colour-normal vision and 135 with colour vision deficiencies from different locations in the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The performance of the W-CCVT was compared with that of the Ishihara test and the Heidelberg Multi-Colour Oculus anomaloscope. Participants were directed to identify the numbers on the Ishihara plates, and their responses were documented on a recording sheet. Results: Concerning pass or fail agreement, good agreement was observed between the W-CCVT and anomaloscope, with a first-order agreement coefficient of 0.97. The sensitivity value was 97.7% and 98% value for the specificity. Conclusion: The Waggoner computerised colour vision test may serve as a reliable alternative screening tool for detecting colour vision deficiencies. Contribution: The W-CCVT could be an appropriate screener colour vision test and a suitable alternative to the Ishihara test when implemented on an iPad.

Background: Columbia Resin 39 (CR-39) is a plastic polymer widely recognised in the ophthalmic industry for the production of spectacle lenses. This material is known for its superior optical qualities and higher scratch resistance compared to other materials. Ready-made reading spectacles (RMRS) offer a cost-effective and readily accessible option for vision correction. Aim: This study aimed to compare lenses used in RMRS to CR-39 lenses, specifically in terms of refractive index, image quality and scratch resistance. Setting: This study was conducted at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Methods: In this comparative study, 12 RMRS lenses were evaluated against three CR-39 lenses. A spectrometer was used to determine the refractive index by quantifying the percentage of light transmission. Image quality was assessed using an optical tract that projected images of line pairs through the 15 lenses, utilising a monochromatic light filter. The scratch resistance was measured by counting the number of scratches on the lenses produced by an anti-scratch coating device. Results: A statistically significant difference in the refractive indices was found. No statistically significant correlation was found in image quality. However, practically, CR-39 demonstrated superior image quality and exhibited less susceptibility to scratching. Conclusion: When prioritising practical implications of image quality and scratch resistance, CR-39 lenses exhibit superior performance compared to RMRS lenses. Contribution: This study offers the public community and the ophthalmic industry insights into the differences in optical and physical quality between RMRS and CR-39 materials.

Background: Keratoconus (KC), a progressive, corneal, ectatic disease varies in prevalence globally. Differences and similarities in KC prevalence have been observed, and despite clinicians anecdotally reporting many KC cases, no empirical evidence of KC prevalence in Tanzania exists. Aim: This study aimed to determine the KC prevalence and demographic and clinical profiles of patients attending a tertiary hospital. Setting: The study was conducted at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Tanzania. Methods: The study applied a quantitative, retrospective study design whereby identified data were extracted from clinical records of patients aged 12 years – 45 years, presenting with corneal abnormalities, between the years 2016 and 2020. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for data analysis. Results: Of the 140 523 presenting patients, 1089 (0.77%) had corneal abnormalities, among whom KC prevalence was 10.0%. Patients were more likely to be men (odds ratio [OR]:1.5; P = 0.033) referred from lower-level clinics (OR:2.4; P ≤ 0.001) and residing in the Arusha region (OR:1.8; P = 0.012). Clinically, KC patients were more likely than non-KC to have vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) (OR:3.8; P ≤ 0.001) and ocular allergies (OR:1.6; P = 0.028); be astigmatic (OR:6.5; P = 0.001) and myopic (OR:2.5; P = 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of KC among patients with corneal abnormalities is high, with significant predominance in patients with myopia, astigmatism and VKC. Data quality revealed a need for KC clinical guidelines, improved record keeping. Contribution: First study providing empirical KC data to guide improved patient care planning in Kilimanjaro.

Background: Undergraduate education is a crucial practitioner knowledge base impacting clinical decisions and should incorporate the latest myopia control research. Aim: To describe the knowledge of myopia control among optometrists who have recently qualified from higher education institutions in South Africa. Setting: An online survey was conducted among newly qualified optometrists (graduates of 2020 and 2021) in South Africa. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted through self-administered questionnaires circulated via social media and higher education institutions. Closed-ended questions assessed the knowledge of factors predicting myopia onset and progression, ocular pathologies associated with high myopia and myopia control strategies. Results: A response rate of 57.6% (n = 170) was obtained. Environmental factors and refractive status were considered important in predicting myopia progression, while parents’ refractive status (60.59%) and ethnicity (40.59%) were less recognised. The link between primary open-angle glaucoma and high myopia was widely known (65.88%), with many other sight-threatening conditions not identified. Although orthokeratology (70%) and increased time spent outdoors (65.29%) were considered successful, participants’ uncertainty of other strategies was evident by the significant percentage of unsure responses (24.71% – 44.12%). Conclusion: Misinterpretation and outdated information resulted in knowledge gaps across the different sections, with the lowest performing section being knowledge of myopia control strategies. Ocular pathologies associated with high myopia are crucial to everyday clinical practice and the poor knowledge shown is most concerning. Contribution: Higher education institutions should incorporate more of the latest research and clinical guidelines by creating more educational and training opportunities within their curricula.

No abstract available.

Background: Exploring the possible association between Interpupillary distance (IPD), and vergence parameters (VPs) and asthenopia may give an impression of a vergence disorder (VD).Aim: To investigate the association between asthenopia, VPs, VDs, and IPD among junior high school (JHS) students.Setting: The study took place in JHSs in Cape Coast, Ghana.Methods: A cross-sectional study design and a multi-stage sampling technique was employed. Five hundred and forty-six (546) students enrolled completed oculo-visual screening, Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) administration, IPD measurements, and VPs assessments [near point of convergence (NPC), lateral heterophoria, positive fusional vergence (PFV), negative fusional vergence (NFV) amplitudes, Gradient AC/A ratio and relative accommodation] over maximum plus for best corrected visual acuity refractive correction.Results: The IPD status (small [OR] = 0.542, CI = 0.200 – 1.470, p = 0.229), medium (OR = 1.182, CI = 0.818 – 1.708, p = 0.373), large (OR = 0.920, CI = 0.630 – 1.344, p = 0.668) was not a risk for asthenopia. Small (p = 0.598), medium (χ2 = 0.046, p = 0.831), and large (χ2 = 2.875, p = 0.090) IPD was not associated with VDs. There were significant correlations between IPD, and NPC break (rs = 0.101, p = ˂ 0.018); distance PFV blur (rs = 0.106, p = 0.014) and break (rs = 0.129, p = 0.003); near NFV blur (rs = 0.096, p = 0.025) and break (rs = 0.103, p = 0.016); near PFV blur (rs = 0.111, p = 0.010) and break (rs = 0.125, p = 0.003).Conclusion: VD and asthenopia cannot be predicted with IPD.Contribution: The IPD is not diagnostic sign for vergence disorder.

This Table of Contents reflects the print compilation of peer-reviewed articles published in the journal. Each article listed was originally published online under the journal’s open access model and remains individually accessible and citable. This compilation has been created solely for print distribution, reference, and archival purposes. No new research content is introduced. The publisher affirms that all articles included in this compilation have undergone the journal’s standard editorial and peer-review processes.

Background: Keratoconus (KC) is common in areas with disease-related risk factors. It is characterised by progressive, non-inflammatory thinning of the cornea with unknown causes and is likely multifactorial. Aim: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of KC in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Method: The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (2020) guidelines using two sources: electronic databases and reference lists of selected articles. The electronic databases included Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. The search period spanned from January 2000 to January 2025. Data were extracted and analysed to determine KC prevalence and associated risk factors using a random-effects model. Results: In this meta-analysis, 1801 articles were reclaimed, of which 20 were analysed. These 20 articles included 22 000 participants from eight countries in the EMR. The prevalence of KC in EMR was 3.96% (95% confidence interval: 3.75–4.16). The most common risk factors for KC in the region included positive family history in 11 studies, frequent eye rubbing in five studies and consanguinity. Conclusion: The prevalence of KC in EMR was higher than the global estimate, highlighting significant regional variations between countries. Risk factors, including family history of KC, eye rubbing and consanguinity, were the most important risk factors for KC according to the available evidence. Contribution: The findings indicate an increase in disease incidence rates and emphasise the necessity for implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the risks associated with the KC in the region.

Background: Myopia is a growing public health issue, particularly among teenagers, due to rapid ocular growth that increases the risk of complications such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. With its global rise, understanding myopia control strategies (MCS) is crucial to reduce prevalence and prevent associated complications. Aim: To evaluate teenagers’ knowledge and attitudes towards MCS. Setting: The study was conducted across all clinics in Lurambi Constituency, Kenya. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was used. Teenagers attending selected clinics were recruited through census method. Data were collected using a self-administered, structured, and modified questionnaire. Ethical approvals were obtained from IERC, NACOSTI, and local clinics. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, applying proportions, percentages, and Chi-square tests. Results: Of the 115 teenagers surveyed, 69.8% had good knowledge of MCS, and 47.7% had adopted them. Among non-adopters, 62.7% demonstrated poor knowledge. Awareness of single-vision spectacles and contact lenses was noted in 49.6%, with 65.6% adoption among them. Only 34.8% were aware of progressive segmented spectacles and gentamycin eyedrops. Knowledge was significantly associated with uptake (P = 0.033). A positive attitude correlated with a 95.4% adoption rate. While general attitude was not significantly linked to uptake (P = 0.127), views on appearance and prevention of vision deterioration were (P = 0.033 and P = 0.034). Conclusion: Although general knowledge of MCS is fairly high, understanding of specific, effective strategies remains limited. Contribution: Targeted awareness efforts are recommended for teenagers, parents, and teachers, especially in low-resource settings.