Prevalence Of Visual Impairment Research Articles

Geriatric ophthalmologic co-management : A case report of interdisciplinary collaboration

This case report details the assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration in the management of an 81-year-old patient presenting with acute visual impairment, dizziness, general weakness, gait disturbances and fear of falling. A holistic geriatric evaluation revealed orthostatic dysregulation and an underlying multifactorial gait disorder exacerbated by visual impairment. Ophthalmological findings included left central retinal artery branch occlusion and cataracts. A comprehensive geriatric assessment showed frailty, impaired mobility and decreased functional abilities. Subsequent patient-centered interdisciplinary approaches included treatment for retinal ischemia, orthostatic testing, medication reconciliation, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. This case emphasizes how interdisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmology and geriatrics enables proactive assessment and intervention to reduce the risk of functional decline and loss of autonomy in visually impaired patients, which is of particular relevance considering the increasing prevalence of visual impairment in the ageing population.

Rapid survey for assessing effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) and effective refractive error coverage (eREC)-Novel indicators of universal eye health.

As per the recent World Health Organization estimates, approximately 2.2 billion people have near and distance vision impairment (VI) globally, and out of this almost 50% is avoidable. The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Visual Impairment survey was a cross-sectional study conducted in September 2021, using cluster random sampling in 42 clusters with a cluster size of 140, giving a total of 6000 participants. Two teams comprising of trained optometrists and social workers conducted the ocular examination which included unaided, pinhole, and aided visual acuity assessments followed by examination of the anterior segment and lens. Distance visual acuity was measured using simplified tumbling "E" charts of different sizes for VA of 6/12, 6/18, and 6/60. The lens assessment was done in an un-dilated pupil with torch light by the optometrist. Overall, 6520 individuals aged 6 years and above were enumerated, of whom 5440 (83.4%) were examined. The response rate for examination was better among females (93.1%) than males (73.9%), and it decreased from 93.8% in the age group 6-15 years to 77.1% in the 45+ age group. The prevalence of blindness and VI were 0.18% (95% CI: 0.06-0.29) and 4.19% (95%CI: 3.65-4.72), respectively. The major causes of VI in all age groups were uncorrected refractive error (65.4%), cataract (23.7%), cataract surgical complications (2.6%), corneal opacity (0.4%), and other posterior segment diseases (7.5%). The effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) was 61.8%, effective refractive error coverage (eREC) for distance vision was 59.8%, and eREC for near vision was 47.0%. The RAAVI methodology is suitable to measure effective coverage in the general population, both for baseline measurement and periodic monitoring. The 2030 targets for the surveyed district are 90% eCSC and 100% eREC. Such exercises need to be conducted in each district of the country to determine the baseline and target values of effective coverage.

Visual impairment and associated factors in adults from three suburban communities in Nampula, Mozambique.

Scientific evidence on the burden of visual impairment, its causes, and associated factors are essential to monitor progress in eye health, identify priorities and develop strategies and policies that meet the needs of the population, towards the eradication of preventable blindness. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of visual impairment, its causes and associated factors in adults living in suburban communities in Nampula. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from November 2019 to February 2020. Eye examinations were performed on adults aged ≥18 years covered by the Lúrio University program, 'one student, one family'. The odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) were calculated to study the association between the dependent variable (presenting visual impairment) and independent variables (gender, age, school level, residence, family income and systemic diseases), with a 95% confidence interval. Distance and near presenting visual impairment had a prevalence of 16.3% and 21.1%, respectively, and were statistically associated with the age groups between 45-65 (OR:4.9) and >65 years (OR: 29.1), illiterate (OR:13.8), primary (OR:4.8) and secondary (aOR:37.5) school level, farmer (OR:32.8) and retired (OR:14.3) occupation, and presence of systemic diseases (OR :3.3). The main causes of presenting visual impairment were uncorrected refractive error and cataract. The prevalence of presenting visual impairment is relatively high, given the enormous effort undertaken within the framework of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight global initiative. There is a need to develop intervention plans targeted at the highest risk groups, with a view to achieving the 'one student, one family' program goals with respect to eye health.

Prevalence of visual impairment and estimation of refractive errors among school children in Kakamega, Kenya.

To investigate the prevalence of visual impairment (VI) and provide an estimation of uncorrected refractive errors in school-aged children, conducted by optometry students as a community service. The study was cross-sectional. Totally 3343 participants were included in the study. The initial examination involved assessing the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and visual acuity (VA) while using a +2.00 D lens. The inclusion criteria for a subsequent comprehensive cycloplegic eye examination, performed by an optometrist, were as follows: a UDVA<0.6 decimal (0.20 logMAR) and/or a VA with +2.00 D ≥0.8 decimal (0.96 logMAR). The sample had a mean age of 10.92±2.13y (range 4 to 17y), and 51.3% of the children were female (n=1715). The majority of the children (89.7%) fell within the age range of 8 to 14y. Among the ethnic groups, the highest representation was from the Luhya group (60.6%) followed by Luo (20.4%). Mean logMAR UDVA choosing the best eye for each student was 0.29±0.17 (range 1.70 to 0.22). Out of the total, 246 participants (7.4%) had a full eye examination. The estimated prevalence of myopia (defined as spherical equivalent ≤-0.5 D) was found to be 1.45% of the total sample. While around 0.18% of the total sample had hyperopia value exceeding +1.75 D. Refractive astigmatism (cil<-0.75 D) was found in 0.21% (7/3343) of the children. The VI prevalence was 1.26% of the total sample. Among our cases of VI, 76.2% could be attributed to uncorrected refractive error. Amblyopia was detected in 0.66% (22/3343) of the screened children. There was no statistically significant correlation observed between age or gender and refractive values. The primary cause of VI is determined to be uncorrected refractive errors, with myopia being the most prevalent refractive error observed. These findings underscore the significance of early identification and correction of refractive errors in school-aged children as a means to alleviate the impact of VI.

Prevalence of Visual Impairment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mini Review

The association between Visual Impairment (VI) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains an important research topic among children suffering from developmental delays and disabilities. The objective of this mini review was to evaluate previous literature on prevalence and etiology of visual impairment, frequency of visual impairment and types of refractive errors associated with autism in children. Previous researches on ASD found that the visual impairment is one of the major factors in autistic children. Hence measurement of vision screening in autism disorder is necessary for better explanation of the problem. The etiologies of visual impairment in autistic children were associated with refractive error and strabismus. Identification of refractive error in ASD children and providing them suitable corrective lenses may improve their visual functions and help in their daily activities. With these findings in mind, there is an urgent need to investigate further in this area and developed more detailed research. The findings would help optometrist, ophthalmologist in understanding types of visual impairment in autism school children.

Prevalence of Ocular Morbidity and Associated Factors Among Hearing Impaired Children at Embangweni School of the Deaf in Mzimba District, Malawi.

To assess the prevalence of ocular morbidities and associated factors among hearing-impaired (HI) students at the Embangweni School for the Deaf in Mzimba, Malawi. This was an institutional cross-sectional study of HI students at Embangweni School for the Deaf. A series of optometric and audiometric tests was performed, and the results were exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science for statistical analysis (SPSS) version 25. Pearson's chi-square test was used to assess correlations and associations between variables. A P-value less significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 147 children comprising of 76 (51.7%) males and 71 (48.3%) females participated in this study. The prevalence of ocular conditions and visual impairment was 39 (26.5%) and 2 (1.4%), respectively. The Prevalence of eye disease was significantly associated with male sex (p=0.02) and type of HI (p=0.031). Allergic conjunctivitis 36 (24.5%) was the most common ocular condition, followed by refractive error 28 (19%). The prevalence of ocular conditions among HI students was significant and associated with sex. Regular school vision screening of students with HI is highly advised to reduce the burden of visual impairment.

Temporal changes in incidence, prevalence and causes of childhood visual impairment - Learnings from 45 years with the National Danish Registry of Children with Visual Impairment.

The aim of the study was to describe the temporal changes in causes and prevalence of childhood visual impairment in Denmark based on the National Danish Registry of Children with Visual Impairment (NDRCVI). Annual reports on the NDRCVI since its establishment in 1979 were reviewed and data on the number of registered children and the causes for registration with a visual impairment were evaluated. The average annual incidence of childhood visual impairment in Denmark is 2.8 per 1000 live-born children and the prevalence of childhood visual impairment is 1.6 per 1000 children <18 years. Today, fewer children are severely visually impaired (visual acuity ≤6/60) at the time of registration (31.6% since 2010 vs. 51.1% in the 1980s). Cerebral visual impairment and optic nerve atrophy have remained common causes of childhood visual impairment whereas sequelae to retinopathy of prematurity have been almost eliminated as a cause. Systemic comorbidities are more common now in children with visual impairment (seen in 63.9% in the last decades vs. 44.6%in the 1980-ties). Whereas the prevalence of visual impairment has remained relatively stable over the years, the severity of visual impairment has improved, suggesting that more children will be able to live an active life supported by aids compensating vision loss. However, more children have systemic comorbidities in combination with their visual impairment suggesting that children with visual impairment face a life not only limited by the obstacles of poor vision. This calls for multidisciplinary management and support of affected children and families.

Prevalence of presenting bilateral visual impairment associated with refractive error - findings from the See4School, pre-school vision screening programme in NHS Scotland.

The See4School programme in Scotland is a pre-school vision screening initiative delivered by orthoptists on a national scale. The primary objective of any vision screening programme is to identify amblyopia, given the common understanding that this condition is unlikely to be detected either at home or through conventional healthcare channels. The target condition is not bilateral visual impairment, as it is believed that most children will be identified within the first year of life either through observations at home or as part of the diagnosis of another related disorder. This belief persists even though bilateral visual impairment is likely to have a more detrimental impact on a child's day-to-day life, including their education. If this hypothesis were accurate, the occurrence of bilateral visual impairment detected through the Scottish vision screening programme would be minimal as children already under the hospital eye service are not invited for testing. The overarching aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence of presenting bilateral visual impairment associated with refractive error detected via the Scottish preschool screening programme. Retrospective anonymised data from vision screening referrals in Scotland from 2013-2016 were collected. Children underwent an assessment using a crowded logMAR vision test and a small number of orthoptic tests. During the 3-year period, out of 165,489 eligible children, 141,237 (85.35%) received the vision screening assessment. Among them, 27,010 (19.12%) failed at least one part of the screening and were subsequently referred into the diagnostic pathway, where they received a full sight test. The prevalence of bilateral visual impairment associated with refractive error and detected via the vision screening programme (≥ 0.3LogMAR) was reported to range between 1.47% (1.37-1.59) and 2.42% (2.29-2.57). It is estimated that up to 2.42% (2.29-2.57) of children living Scotland have poorer than driving standard of vision (6/12) in their pre-school year, primarily due to undetected refractive error. Reduced vision has the potential to impact a child's their day-to-day life including their future educational, health and social outcomes.

Effect of visual impairment on subjective cognitive decline in older adults: a cross-sectional study in China

ObjectivePeople with visual impairment have more functional limitations associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and those with SCD are extremely susceptible to transitioning to irreversible cognitive impairment. This study aimed...

Prevalence of visual impairment in patients sustaining proximal hip fracture after a simple fall

According to epidemiological studies, the 30% of aged 75 years and older is having impaired vision and most of the cases these patients are not in contact of the hospital care staff and community eye services. The visual assessment of older people is essential and helps to minimize the issues related to fall that led to critical problem. The proper vision is required for regain independence and improve the patient’s overall wellbeing. This kind of situation is leading the individual to unintentional injury which is higher among the visually impaired people compared to fully sighted population. Moreover, there are two major reasons for visual impairment that are more susceptible.The study aims to analyze the prevalence of visual impairment in patients sustaining proximal hip fracture after a simple fall at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha.The current study has been conducted at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha. All inpatients of the orthopaedic rehabilitation wards were recuperating from the surgical repair of a fractured neck of femur aged 75 years and above. and all the visual impairment assessed at Ophthalmology OPD. Moreover, the investigator has also invited the patients who sustained their fracture after a simple slip, trip and fall. Apart from this, the mental test of these participants was also done to analyze the ability. In this test the score of seven and above was considered for allowing the patients to take part in the study. There was a full ocular examination of anterior and posterior segment performed by the ophthalmologist using the slit-lamp bio microscope and indirect ophthalmoscope.Visual impairment of criteria 1 sensitivity was 93% and specificity was 91%. Moreover, the likelihood ratio of positive results was 11 and negative result was 0.05. For the criteria 2 the sensitivity was 97% and specificity was 86%. Moreover, the likelihood of positive results was 6 and negative result was 0.02. Apart from this detection of potentially remedial visual impairment sensitivity was 69% and specificity was 91%. The likelihood ratio of positive result was 8 and negative result was 0.2.The vision test and proper ocular examination were underestimated the extent of vision impairment in older adults. As per the outcome of the study, the visual impairment is common in elderly patients with a history of falls. Moreover, the study has suggested that to measure the visual acuity of all elderly patients recuperating from a proximal hip fracture after a simple fall.

The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness survey: Review of the methodology and protocol for the seventh version (RAAB7)

The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) is a population-based cross-sectional survey methodology used to collect data on the prevalence of vision impairment and its causes and eye care service indicators among the population 50 years and older. RAAB has been used for over 20 years with modifications to the protocol over time reflected in changing version numbers; this paper describes the latest version of the methodology–RAAB7. RAAB7 is a collaborative project between the International Centre for Eye Health and Peek Vision with guidance from a steering group of global eye health stakeholders. We have fully digitised RAAB, allowing for fast, accurate and secure data collection. A bespoke Android mobile application automatically synchronises data to a secure Amazon Web Services virtual private cloud when devices are online so users can monitor data collection in real-time. Vision is screened using Peek Vision’s digital visual acuity test for mobile devices and uncorrected, corrected and pinhole visual acuity are collected. An optional module on Disability is available. We have rebuilt the RAAB data repository as the end point of RAAB7’s digital data workflow, including a front-end website to access the past 20 years of RAAB surveys worldwide. This website (https://www.raab.world) hosts open access RAAB data to support the advocacy and research efforts of the global eye health community. Active research sub-projects are finalising three new components in 2024-2025: 1) Near vision screening to address data gaps on near vision impairment and effective refractive error coverage; 2) an optional Health Economics module to assess the affordability of eye care services and productivity losses associated with vision impairment; 3) an optional Health Systems data collection module to support RAAB’s primary aim to inform eye health service planning by supporting users to integrate eye care facility data with population data.

Unilateral visual impairment and blindness in school children - prevalence and aetiology in Saki-East LGA of Oyo State, Nigeria.

This study determined the prevalence and aetiology of unilateral visual impairment (VI) and blindness and its associated factors in school children. We conducted a multistage, cross-sectional study in primary and secondary schools of Saki-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Unilateral VI was defined as presenting visual acuity (PVA) worse than +0.3 LogMAR (6/12) and unilateral blindness as PVA worse than +1.3 LogMAR (3/60) in the worse eye. Detailed ocular examinations were performed for students with unilateral VI, and Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore associations with independent variables. The mean age of participants was 11 ± 3.2 years. Thirty-six (0.98%) of 3671 children had unilateral VI, and fifteen children had unilateral blindness (0.41%), giving a combined prevalence of 1.39 ± 0.5%. History of ocular trauma was reported by 14 (27.5%) participants with unilateral VI and blindness. In addition, those with a history of ocular trauma were 6.5 times more likely to be blind or have a severe VI (95% CI 1.5-2.8) than those without a history of ocular trauma. Uncorrected refractive error was the major cause of unilateral VI in 26 (51%) participants, while traumatic cataract was the main cause of unilateral blindness seen in 5 (9.8%) participants, none of whom had a previous eye examination. Fourteen per thousand school children had unilateral VI in this study; the major causes were refractive error and cataract, which are treatable. Ocular trauma was a significant risk factor for unilateral VI and blindness.

Population-Level Associations Between Visual Impairment and Functional Difficulties in California

ABSTRACT Purpose The prevalence of visual impairment is increasing, and there is a need to understand the functional implications. Using the American Community Survey (ACS) data, this study examined the relationship between visual impairment and functional difficulties in California. Methods Using the 2010–2014 and 2015–2019 ACS 5-year estimates from the U.S. Census, data were obtained for visual impairment and functional difficulties including hearing, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, and independent living difficulties. The prevalence of vision impairment and each functional difficulty was calculated on the Medical Service Study Area (MSSA) level in California. Unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models were performed to estimate the association between visual impairment and each functional difficulty, adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education level, English-speaking ability, poverty status, health insurance status, and urbanity of residence location. Results The prevalence of visual impairment in California was 2.3% (659,502 of 28,794,572) in 2010–2014 and 2.3% (709,353 of 30,231,767) in 2015–2019 among the population ≥ 18 years old. There were statistically significant associations between the prevalence of vision impairment and increased prevalence of all functional difficulties, with the most positive correlation observed with ambulatory difficulty (slope estimate 0.58 ± 0.072 for 2010–2014 and 0.78 ± 0.082 for 2015–2019 for ambulatory difficulty). Conclusions There may be population-level impacts of functional consequences from vision impairment, suggesting the need for neighborhood-level investigation and policy-based interventions to address the burden of vision impairment on the population level.

Geographical Variation in Ophthalmological Care Correlates to Economic Well-being in Florida

Purpose: This study aims to quantify the relationship between economic disadvantage and access to eye care in the state of Florida by synthesizing multiple metrics of care. The access metrics presented can help policymakers target interventions to areas most in need and monitor progress towards improving access. Material and Methods: Data from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services were analyzed with the Distressed Community Index (DCI), a metric developed by Economic Innovation Group which stratifies zip codes into 5 levels of economic well-being. An association between DCI and eye providers per capita was assessed using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Included are the 920 Florida zip codes included in the Economic Innovation Group’s Distressed Community Index (DCI). The Economic Innovation Group states all zip codes in the United States with populations greater than 500 are included in the DCI data set. Results: In Florida, 42.6% of zip codes have neither an ophthalmologist nor an optometrist. Number of providers per capita significantly differs by DCI category (p&lt;.001) with areas of lowest deprivation having an average of 0.23 ± 0.37 providers per thousand residents and areas of highest deprivation having 0.09 ± 0.19 providers per thousand. DCI quintiles of highest deprivation were significantly more likely to not have an eye provider (p&lt;.001) with 30.5% of zip codes in the lowest deprivation quintile having no providers vs. 62.2% in that of the highest deprivation quintile. Discussion: Findings indicate that economically disadvantaged zip codes have significantly less access to eye care compared to their more affluent counterparts. Given that Florida has the highest current prevalence and projected per capita prevalence of visual impairment, investigation and efforts to maximize access to ophthalmological care is paramount.

Prevalence and causes of blindness and distance visual impairment in Chinese adult population in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the prevalence and causes of visual impairment (VI) and blindness in Jiangsu Province, China in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (n = 13,208, aged 18–93) underwent comprehensive ocular examinations. The prevalence and causes of binocular VI (presenting visual acuity [VA] ≥ 20/400 and < 20/63 in the better eye) and blindness (presenting VA < 20/400 in the better eye) were assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The estimation of refractive error prevalence was conducted using the following classification: myopia ≤ − 0.50 diopters (D), high myopia ≤ − 6.00 D, hyperopia ≥ 0.50 D, and anisometropia ≥ 1.00 D. The overall prevalence of binocular VI and blindness was 21.04% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.35–21.74%) and 0.47% (95% CI 0.37–0.60%). The highest prevalence of binocular VI was in the population aged 18–24 years old (46.29%, [95% CI 44.30–48.28%]), those with education at university and above (43.47%, [95% CI 41.93–45.02%]), students (54.96%, [95% CI 52.73–57.17%]). Uncorrected refractive error (URE) was the leading cause of presenting binocular VI (93.40%) and blindness (50.79%). The prevalence of myopia was 54.75% (95% CI 53.90–55.60%). Actions are needed to control URE and myopia within the adult Chinese population, with a particular emphasis on the younger, well-educated demographic.

Clinical and Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Giant Pituitary Adenomas: Analysis of Predictive Factors

Giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs) are defined as tumors with ≥40mm in any maximum diameter, and these tend to invade multiple intracranial compartments. Hence, treatment remains a surgical challenge. To describe the clinical and surgical outcomes of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for GPA in a pituitary referral center in Latin America and to analyze associated predictive factors. 37 patients with histologically-confirmed GPA treated solely through the EEA between a 2-year period were included. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and neuroimaging findings; surgical morbidity and mortality; and binary logistic regression analysis to assess predictive factors were analyzed. Preoperative visual impairment prevalence was 97.3%. Mean tumor volume was 32cc and gross total resection rate was 40.5%. Favorable visual acuity and visual fields outcome rate was 75% and 82.9%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, bilateral cavernous sinus invasion (P= 0.018) and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (P= 0.036) were associated with an unfavorable visual acuity outcome, while radiation therapy (P= 0.035) was for visual fields. Similarly, intraoperative CSF leak was a predictive factor for postoperative CSF leak (10.8%) (P= 0.042) and vascular injury (13.5%) (P= 0.048). In this first Mexican clinical series, we demonstrated that the EEA is a safe and effective technique for GPA, although early diagnosis and prompt intervention may promote further visual function preservation without significant endocrine morbidity.

Visual impairment burden in retinopathy of prematurity: trends, inequalities, and improvement gaps.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an important cause of avoidable childhood visual impairment, and the increase in number and survival of premature infants may inflate its burden globally. We aimed to comprehensivelyassess the trends and inequalities in the burden of ROP-related visual impairment and to identify improvement gaps to facilitate appropriate actions in neonatal care systems.We obtained ROP data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. We employed joinpoint regression analysis to assess the trends of the burden of ROP-related visual impairment, measured by age-standardised prevalence rates, health equity analysis methods to evaluate cross-country burden inequalities, and data envelopment and stochastic frontier analyses to identify improvement gaps based on the development status, i.e., sociodemographic index (SDI).Between 1990 and 2019, the age-standardised prevalence rates of ROP-related visual impairmentsignificantly increased worldwide (average annual percentage change: 0.23 [95% confidenceinterval, 0.21-0.26] among males and 0.26 [0.25-0.27] among females), primarily in developed regions. Although significant SDI-related cross-country inequalities were identified, these reduced over time (slope index of inequality: -57.74 [-66.22 to -49.25] in 1990 to -29.68 [-38.39 to -20.97] in 2019; health concentration index: -0.11 [-0.13 to -0.09] in 1990 to -0.07 [-0.09 to -0.06] in 2019). Notably, some less-developed countries exhibited superior performance despite limited resources, whereas others with a higher SDI delivered lagging performance. Conclusion: The global burden of ROP-related visual impairment has steadily increased between 1990 and 2019, with disproportionate burden concentration among less-developed countries, requiring appropriate preventive and intervention measures. What is Known: • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an important cause of avoidable childhood visual impairment. • The prevalence of ROP is anticipated to increase due to the growing number of extremely premature infants. What is New: • The prevalence of ROP-related visual impairment has increased worldwide, primarily in developed regions, with declining but persisting cross-country inequalities. • The increasing burden of ROP-related visual impairment should be considered as part of global and national health agendas, requiring interventions with proven efficacy.

Prevalence and Pattern of Eye Disorders Among Primary Schoolchildren in Abakaliki, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background A child's learning ability depends on vision, and visual impairment negatively affects neurological, intellectual, and emotional development by limiting children's exposure to a range of experiences and information. This study aims to determine the prevalence and pattern of ocular morbidity among primary schoolchildren in Abakaliki and provide evidence that can be used in planning a school eye health program for the state. Methodology A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted within the Abakaliki metropolis between January and April 2018 to determine the ocular health status of schoolchildren recruited using stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and presented using descriptive statistics. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the association between dependent and independent variables, with the level of significance determined by a p-value <0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI)). Results A total of 553 schoolchildren aged 6-16 years were examined. The prevalence of eye disorders was 23.5%. Common disorders included refractive error (12.7%) and allergic eye disease (7.1%). Other findings included glaucoma suspect (15, 2.7%), infective conjunctivitis (1, 0.2%), amblyopia (3, 0.5%), cataract (1, 0.2%), and squint (1, 0.2%). The prevalence of visual impairment was 3.1%. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between ocular morbidity and attending private schools (95% CI = 6.5-11.1, p = 0.003). Conclusions Eye disorders such as uncorrected refractive error and allergic conjunctivitis were common among schoolchildren. School eye health programs can ensure that eyescreening is done periodically, allowing for early detection, referral, and prompt treatment of eye diseases that can potentially cause visual impairment.

Sickle Eye Project: a cross-sectional, non-interventional study of the prevalence of visual impairment due to sickle cell retinopathy and maculopathy in the UK

IntroductionSickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the UK, with over 15 000 people affected. Proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) is a well-described complication...

Beyond Community Health Service Provision: Assessing the Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Eye Care among Beneficiaries of an Intervention in an Inner-City Community in Lagos Metropolis

Background: A higher burden of preventable visual impairment has been reported in regions with poor knowledge of eye care, non-availability of or poor uptake of available screening services. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices as well as factors associated with eyecare among the residents of an inner-city community in Lagos, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study using simple random sampling technique to select 254 consenting participants from a community on Lagos Island. Data was collected electronically using Microsoft office forms and analyzed with SPSS version 23. Frequencies, proportions and tables were used for descriptive analysis. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were done to identify predictors of the outcome variables.&#x0D; Results: More of the respondents (52.4% and 61.4%) were middle-aged and female respectively with a mean age of 49.7±16.6 years. About 61.0% of them use prescription eyeglasses, 69.3% had a good knowledge of the importance of routine eye checks. Good attitude and practice of eye care were reported among 78.7% and 68.5% respectively. Respondents with a tertiary level of education were more likely to have a good attitude (OR=2.8; 95% CI=1.115-7.120) and good practice OR=2.7; 95% CI=1.207-5.869) versus lower educational levels.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study revealed that efforts to increase access to education, particularly in low-income areas, can contribute to improved attitudes and practices related to eye health care. Addressing gaps in knowledge and promoting regular eye check-ups were seen to be essential steps toward achieving better eye health outcomes in Nigeria and similar settings.