School Vision Screening Research Articles

Final Visual Outcomes and Treatment Received for Children Referred from a UK Primary School Visual Screening Program: A Comparison of An Orthoptic-led Program with Orthoptic-delivered Services

ABSTRACTThere is little published evidence relating to the final visual acuity of children who are identified as having reduced vision at a school screening program. The school vision screening program in Leeds (led by an orthoptist but delivered by health care support workers within the school nursing team) is examined.Results: 7807 children were screened in school between November 1, 2013, and September 1, 2014. Of these, 319 (4%) failed the screen and were referred to the general optometry service and 547 (7%) were referred to the Children’s Community Eye Service (CCES). Of the children who were referred to the CCES, 79.4% attended their first appointment and 86.4% were positive referrals. Of the children with reduced vision, 31 (8.3%) were found to have a manifest strabismus or eye movement disorder; 75 (20% of the positive referrals) required occlusion therapy for amblyopia; 52.6% of those with initially reduced vision obtained good visual acuity following spectacle correction alone within an 18- to 24-week refractive adaptation period. Of those who completed their treatment, 92.9% had vision within normal limits for their age in both eyes at discharge. Of children referred from vision screening who were found to have a defect, 64.6% had that treatment completed within three visits.Conclusion: Vision screening identifies individuals with treatable vision defects who have a greater than 90% chance of achieving normal visual acuity with good compliance to treatment. Vision screening programs led by an orthoptist but delivered by well-trained and monitored screeners can be of as good quality as a screening program delivered by orthoptists.

Do school classrooms meet the visual requirements of children and recommended vision standards?

BackgroundVisual demands of school children tend to vary with diverse classroom environments. The study aimed to evaluate the distance and near Visual Acuity (VA) demand in Indian school classrooms and their comparison with the recommended vision standards.Materials and methodsThe distance and near VA demands were assessed in 33 classrooms (grades 4 to 12) of eight schools. The VA threshold demand relied on the smallest size of distance and near visual task material and viewing distance. The logMAR equivalents of minimum VA demand at specific seating positions (desk) and among different grades were evaluated. The near threshold was converted into actual near VA demand by including the acuity reserve. The existing dimensions of chalkboard and classroom, gross area in a classroom per student and class size in all the measured classrooms were compared to the government recommended standards.ResultsIn 33 classrooms assessed (35±10 students per room), the average distance and near logMAR VA threshold demand was 0.31±0.17 and 0.44±0.14 respectively. The mean distance VA demand (minimum) in front desk position was 0.56±0.18 logMAR. Increased distance threshold demand (logMAR range -0.06, 0.19) was noted in 7 classrooms (21%). The mean VA demand in grades 4 to 8 and grades 9 to 12 was 0.35±0.16 and 0.24±0.16 logMAR respectively and the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.055). The distance from board to front desk was greater than the recommended standard of 2.2m in 27 classrooms (82%). The other measured parameters were noted to be different from the proposed standards in majority of the classrooms.ConclusionThe study suggests the inclusion of task demand assessment in school vision screening protocol to provide relevant guidance to school authorities. These findings can serve as evidence to accommodate children with mild to moderate visual impairment in the regular classrooms.

Outcomes of an Australian Nursing Student-led School Vision and Hearing Screening Programme

ABSTRACTNursing students typically do not undertake clinical training in school settings. However, they are well placed to have a role in providing health screening and education in schools or community health venues under supervision of qualified nurses. This study provides a description and outcomes of a vision and hearing screening programme delivered by university nursing students working out of a student-led clinic situated in an underserved, largely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in regional Australia. Screening and follow-up data collected from 741 elementary school children indicated some important population patterns and trends, with nearly 30% having identified problems. Anecdotal evidence suggested children who gained treatment had improved school performance. Challenges to follow-up and confounding variables are discussed and a suggestion for future research is offered.

Improving access to vision screening in urban Philadelphia elementary schools

The Wills Eye Vision Screening Program for Children is a community-based vision screening program for children in urban Philadelphia elementary schools that aims to provide vision screening, remedy refractive error by providing glasses, and refer children with suspected nonrefractive eye disease for eye care. Children in grades K-5 from 45 Philadelphia elementary schools were screened for distance and near visual acuity, stereopsis, and color vision from January 2014 to June 2015. Children who failed were assessed by an on-site optometrist. Two pairs of eyeglasses were provided at no cost. Children with suspected, nonrefractive disease were referred to Wills Eye Hospital Pediatric Ophthalmology and contacted by a social worker to schedule an appointment. Over 84days, 10,726 children were screened for vision problems at 45 schools. A total of 1,321 children (12%) had refractive error and 1,015 children (77%) returned the consent form and received two pairs of glasses. Of the 509 children (5%) referred to Wills Eye, 177 returned consent forms and were not being followed by an ophthalmologist. Of these, 127 children (72%) completed an eye examination at Wills. The program described herein can provide comprehensive vision screening, with eyeglasses and/or referrals, to children within an underserved community.

Are all children with visual impairment known to the eye clinic?

IntroductionThere is a growing body of evidence that children with special needs are more likely to have visual problems, be that visual impairment, visual processing problems or refractive error. While...

The Prevalence of Visual Impairment in People with Dementia (the PrOVIDe study): a cross-sectional study of people aged 60–89 years with dementia and qualitative exploration of individual, carer and professional perspectives

BackgroundThe prevalence of visual impairment (VI) and dementia increases with age and these conditions may coexist, but few UK data exist on VI among people with dementia.ObjectivesTo measure the prevalence of eye conditions causing VI in people with dementia and to identify/describe reasons for underdetection or inappropriate management.DesignStage 1 – cross-sectional prevalence study. Stage 2 – qualitative research exploring participant, carer and professional perspectives of eye care.SettingStage 1 – 20 NHS sites in six English regions. Stage 2 – six English regions.ParticipantsStage 1 – 708 participants with dementia (aged 60–89 years): 389 lived in the community (group 1) and 319 lived in care homes (group 2). Stage 2 – 119 participants.InterventionsStage 1 gathered eye examination data following domiciliary sight tests complying with General Ophthalmic Services requirements and professional guidelines. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (sMMSE) test, and functional ability and behaviour were assessed using the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale and Cambridge Behavioural Inventory – Revised. Stage 2 involved individual interviews (36 people with dementia and 11 care workers); and separate focus groups (34 optometrists; 38 family and professional carers).Main outcome measures.VI defined by visual acuity (VA) worse than 6/12 or worse than 6/18 measured before and after refraction.ResultsStage 1 – when participants wore their current spectacles, VI prevalence was 32.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 28.7% to 36.5%] and 16.3% (95% CI 13.5% to 19.6%) for commonly used criteria for VI of VA worse than 6/12 and 6/18, respectively. Of those with VI, 44% (VA < 6/12) and 47% (VA < 6/18) were correctable with new spectacles. Almost 50% of remaining uncorrectable VI (VA < 6/12) was associated with cataract, and was, therefore, potentially remediable, and one-third was associated with macular degeneration. Uncorrected/undercorrected VI prevalence (VA < 6/12) was significantly higher in participants in care homes (odds ratio 2.19, 95% CI 1.30 to 3.73;p < 0.01) when adjusted for age, sex and sMMSE score. VA could not be measured in 2.6% of group 1 and 34.2% of group 2 participants (p < 0.01). The main eye examination elements (excluding visual fields) could be performed in > 80% of participants. There was no evidence that the management of VI in people with dementia differed from that in older people in general. Exploratory analysis suggested significant deficits in some vision-related aspects of function and behaviour in participants with VI. Stage 2 key messages – carers and care workers underestimated how much can be achieved in an eye examination. People with dementia and carers were unaware of domiciliary sight test availability. Improved communication is needed between optometrists and carers; optometrists should be informed of the person’s dementia. Tailoring eye examinations to individual needs includes allowing extra time. Optometrists wanted training and guidance about dementia. Correcting VI may improve the quality of life of people with dementia but should be weighed against the risks and burdens of undergoing examinations and cataract surgery on an individual basis.LimitationsSampling bias is possible owing to quota-sampling and response bias.ConclusionsThe prevalence of VI is disproportionately higher in people with dementia living in care homes. Almost 50% of presenting VI is correctable with spectacles, and more with cataract surgery. Areas for future research are the development of an eye-care pathway for people with dementia; assessment of the benefits of early cataract surgery; and research into the feasibility of specialist optometrists for older people.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

Can data in optometric practice be used to provide an evidence base for ophthalmic public health?

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of using primary care optometry data to support ophthalmic public health, research and policy making. Suppliers of optometric electronic patient record systems (EPRs) were interviewed to gather information about the data present in commercial software programmes and the feasibility of data extraction. Researchers were presented with a list of metrics that might be included in an optometric practice dataset via a survey circulated by email to 102 researchers known to have an interest in eye health. Respondents rated the importance of each metric for research. A further survey presented the list of metrics to 2000 randomly selected members of the College of Optometrists. The optometrists were asked to specify how likely they were to enter information about each metric in a routine sight test consultation. They were also asked if data were entered as free text, menus or a combination of these. Current EPRs allowed the input of data relating to the metrics of interest. Most data entry was free text. There was a good match between high priority metrics for research and those commonly recorded in optometric practice. Although there were plenty of electronic data in optometric practice, this was highly variable and often not in an easily analysed format. To facilitate analysis of the evidence for public health purposes a UK based minimum dataset containing standardised clinical information is recommended. Further research would be required to develop suitable coding for the individual metrics included. The dataset would need to capture information from all sectors of the population to ensure effective planning of any future interventions.

Impact of visual acuity on developing literacy at age 4–5 years: a cohort-nested cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of poor vision in children aged 4–5 years and determine the impact of visual acuity on literacy.DesignCross-sectional study linking clinical, epidemiological and education data.SettingSchools located in...

Vision Screening of School Children by Teachers as a Community Based Strategy to Address the Challenges of Childhood Blindness.

Early detection and treatment of vision problems in children is imperative to meet the challenges of childhood blindness. Considering the problems of inequitable distribution of trained manpower and limited access of quality eye care services to majority of our population, innovative community based strategies like 'Teachers training in vision screening' need to be developed for effective utilization of the available human resources. To evaluate the effectiveness of introducing teachers as the first level vision screeners. Teacher training programs were conducted for school teachers to educate them about childhood ocular disorders and the importance of their early detection. Teachers from government and semi-government schools located in Ludhiana were given training in vision screening. These teachers then conducted vision screening of children in their schools. Subsequently an ophthalmology team visited these schools for re-evaluation of children identified with low vision. Refraction was performed for all children identified with refractive errors and spectacles were prescribed. Children requiring further evaluation were referred to the base hospital. The project was done in two phases. True positives, false positives, true negatives and false negatives were calculated for evaluation. In phase 1, teachers from 166 schools underwent training in vision screening. The teachers screened 30,205 children and reported eye problems in 4523 (14.97%) children. Subsequently, the ophthalmology team examined 4150 children and confirmed eye problems in 2137 children. Thus, the teachers were able to correctly identify eye problems (true positives) in 47.25% children. Also, only 13.69% children had to be examined by the ophthalmology team, thus reducing their work load. Similarly, in phase 2, 46.22% children were correctly identified to have eye problems (true positives) by the teachers. By random sampling, 95.65% children were correctly identified as normal (true negatives) by the teachers. Considering the high true negative rates and reasonably good true positive rates and the wider coverage provided by the program, vision screening in schools by teachers is an effective method of identifying children with low vision. This strategy is also valuable in reducing the workload of the eye care staff.

The Use of a Mobile Van for School Vision Screening: Results of 63 841 Evaluations

To present data from an established mobile screening program for children in the amblyogenic age group using gold-standard examination techniques by eye care professionals. Retrospective 12-year, cross-sectional study. setting: Single center. All children enrolled in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grades in public schools in Cleveland, Ohio were eligible for evaluations. intervention procedure: An ophthalmic technician and/or optometrist examined children in a customized van that visits all elementary schools. The initial screening included testing of monocular near and distance visual acuity, stereoacuity, ocular alignment, motility, pupils, and external abnormalities. Children meeting the 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics vision screening referral criteria underwent cycloplegic retinoscopy and ophthalmoscopy by the on-site optometrist and received glasses. In addition, these children were referred to pediatric ophthalmology for ongoing care. Determination of the proportion of children with refractive errors, amblyopia, and/or strabismus. Between 2002 and 2014, 63 841 evaluations were performed, representing approximately 55% of eligible children. Overall, 6386 (10.0%) of children met 1 or more referral criteria: 5355 (8.39%) received glasses, 873 (1.37%) had amblyopia, and 1125 (1.76%) had strabismus. Over the 12-year period, there was no statistically significant change in the prevalence of strabismus (1.73%-2.24%, P = .91) or amblyopia (0.9%-2.08%, P = .13) among first grade students. Amblyopia, strabismus, and refractive errors are common in young children. During the study period, the rates of amblyopia and strabismus remained stable, indicating the need for continued vision screening and treatment services. A van-based model, traveling directly to schools, appears to be effective in reaching young children in underserved communities.

Eye dominance in binocular viewing conditions.

Different degrees of eye dominance may need to be considered when comparing monocular and binocular performance or estimating binocular summation effects. The purpose of this study was to explore eye dominance under binocular viewing conditions and observe gradual differences in preference. Two binocular eye-dominance tests were evaluated and compared to the hole-in-the-card sighting test. The first experiment was based on a binocular sighting test. The second originated from the variable-angle mirror test, utilizing physiological diplopia to determine which eye dominates the binocular percept. The participants were 32 healthy subject with normal sight. For both experiments there were plausible effects of different degrees of eye dominance affecting how the subjects positioned or perceived the scene. The outcomes were supported by a statistically significant correlation with an interocular difference in sensitivity to degraded visibility. A statistically significant correlation was found between the hole-in-the-card test and the variable-angle mirror test (r = 0.527, p < 0.01). The experiments confirm the plausible occurrence of forms of eye dominance under binocular viewing conditions. The correlation with the hole-in-the-card test was weak to moderate, due to factors that appear to be related to testing and viewing conditions. Interocular differences in sensitivity to blur appear to be a useful factor in further grading of eye dominance.

Remote Control System For Multi Mobile Robot Using A Combination of Computer-Microcontroller

Various control systems have been used to optimizerobot performance, one of them is to utilize radio wave. The use ofradio wave is very common because they are cheap and easy todeploy. Radio frequency use is also various; some use VHF, someothers UHF for many purposes. One control system for one robot isdefinitely inefficient, therefore a continuous research on robotcontrol system is required to control multi robots with differentradio frequencies using one control system. This research is meantto develop multiple mobile robots using 40 MHz and 315 MHzfrequency within one system controlled by integrated computer andmicrocontroller. The frequency selection represents VHF and UHFfrequency. This research is a prototype for multi robot control.Testing is done with several methods; system interface testing, Lineof Sight robot control system, and robot control system in anobscured environment. System interface testing is done by usingserial port communication to communicate computer with 8-bitmicrocontroller using ASCII. Line of Sight testing exerts maximumrange of 4 meters using 40 MHz, and 10 meters using 315 MHz.Obscured environment testing exerts maximum range of 2.8 metersfor 40 MHz and 13.4 meters for 315 MHz.

Impact of Uncorrected Vision on Productivity-A study in an Industrial setting a Pair of Spectacles

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) around one billion people worldwide in developing countries need vision correction. Uuncorrected vision is believed to be responsible for a widespread loss of labour productivity and quality, reading and literacy problems, and other problems such as road and domestic accidents. There is however, a lack of data on both the prevalence and the effects of uncorrected vision. As a result, governments and funding agencies have been hesitant to prioritise vision correction in their health and social development agenda. This acute lack of access to vision correction across the developing world is primarily due to inadequate number of eye care professionals, facilities and the high cost of providing spectacles. Objective of the study: As there are not any studies in the area of uncorrected vision and impact on productivity, this study was undertaken as a pilot study with an intention of understanding the impact of productivity among employees needing vision correction in comparison with those not needing correction but doing identical work, and to measure subsequent changes in productivity following vision correction among the former group through the supply of prescription spectacles. Method: Tthe research was undertaken among a group of 238 workers engaged in spinning and winding function at a cotton spinning and textile factory in Madurai. productivity data was collected for 30 working shifts for each employee. Tthen the eye test was done by a team comprising of Ophthalmologist and Optometrist from Aravind Eeye Hospital (WHO Collaborating Centre) and given the corrective glass to those who were prescribed the correction. after a month of gap given to get used to the glasses, again the productivity data was collected for 30 working shifts for all the samples in the first phase and analysed. Results: Out of the 238 (111 Sspinners + 127 Winders) workers undergone eyesight testing, 187 (90 + 97 Winders) workers needed vision correction which is around 80% of the total test done. Of these 187 needing vision correction, 169 (75%) were presbyopic and needed glasses for near vision correction. All those who were identified as needing vision correction were given spectacles. In terms of productivity measurement, though there were problems in tracking the data each employee wise due to various reasons as the industry was undergoing a transition at that point of time. With the best available data, the spinners showed an average improvement of 9.5% (with a standard error in the mean of 1.6); 44% improved their productivity by more 10% on previous output levels whilst 23% exceeded them by 20%. Tthe winders showed less change after the provision of spectacles with 23% increasing their productivity by 10% of the factory standard, demonstrating that this task made less demand on workers visual acuity. Pradhan, KB120 Conclusion: A significantly higher proportion of industry workers having poor vision due to Refractive error. Tthey never try to correct this error unless the vision problem is a major hurdle in their work and social life. Tthe ignorance may be due to, not a painful problem, access to immediate services in eye care, cost of services, inconvenience in using a foreign object, cosmetic value, no realization of quality and performance attached to work. Constraints: study could have been better if these following constraints were not there Industry was undergoing a transition from Manual to Automation processes. Tthere was drive of Voluntary Retirement scheme (VRSs). If the study team could have got more time to think over the strategy and methodology. Policy Issues: Tthe sight test result showed a high percentage of uncorrected refractive error in a high profile industrial setting. Tthis could mean some percentage of loss of productivity and also a stake in quality of the product due to sight problem. gives an impression to study on subjects who are involved in products linked to productivity and quality like export products, jewellary, thread work, handicrafts, textiles, manual industrial works and also life threatening workers like driving and food products industries, where good sight means a lot. As a policy the industrial settings should include eye testing in to their regular health screening programmes as this has direct implications to the work and outcome of the industry.

Preventing sight loss in older people. A qualitative study exploring barriers to the uptake of regular sight tests of older people living in socially deprived communities in South Wales

ObjectivesThis paper describes research findings that try to understand some of the reasons that prevent older people in deprived communities in South Wales from accessing NHS funded sight tests and leads to a discussion of suitable interventions that seek to improve access to primary eye care services and prevent avoidable sight loss. Study designData were collected from eight focus groups (n = 63) of mixed gender and ages (60–80+ years), of white origin living in deprived communities in South Wales. Individuals were recruited for the focus groups by extensively publicizing the project, with a range of health and older people's community services and groups such as sheltered housing complexes, stroke support groups and coffee morning groups. The study included people who attended optometry services and people not engaged with services. A purposive sampling technique summarizes the sampling approach taken, an approach which the team utilized to recruit ‘information rich’ cases, namely individuals, groups and organizations that provided the greatest insight into the research question. MethodsFocus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data underwent thematic content analysis and subsequent interpretations were corroborated by expert advisors and a project steering group. ResultsCost was perceived as a significant barrier to accessing sight tests, particularly in relation to purchasing glasses. Other barriers included the perceived pressure to buy glasses associated with visits to the optometrists; poor understanding of the purpose of a sight test in a health prevention context and acceptance of deteriorating sight loss due to the ageing process. ConclusionAreas of improvement for the delivery of preventative eye health services to older people are identified, as are areas for reflection on the part of those who work within the eye health industry.

Vision screening to detect refractive errors in three selected secondary schools in Birnin Kebbi, North West, Nigeria

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error among students in three selected secondary schools in Birnin Kebbi metropolis as many children with poor vision due to refractive error remain undiagnosed and perform poorly in schools. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted over a period of 2 months (May-June 2014). A total of 614 students were included from three randomly chosen secondary schools in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria. Subjects were selected using random sampling technique from the list of students available through the help of their class teachers. Visual acuity (VA) was measured with a Snellen chart, while students with subnormal vision (VA ≤ 6/9) were examined using pinhole, and subsequently referred for detailed eye examination and retinoscopy evaluation. Results: The age range was from 11 to 20 years comprising 50.8% (n = 312) males and 48.2% (n = 302) females. Refractive error in either eye was present in 30 (4.8%) children. Of these, myopia was diagnosed in 18 (60%) children, and then hyperopia in 7 (23.3%), and astigmatism in 5 (16.7%) subjects. Spectacle coverage was low as only three pupils were found to be using glasses with lack of awareness and lack of access to eye care services as major barriers. Conclusions: Uncorrected refractive error is found among secondary schools students in Birnin Kebbi, and there is a need for the establishment of regular and effective school vision screening program to detect and refer patients for treatment.

Vision Screening by Teachers in Southern Indian Schools: Testing a New “All Class Teacher” Model

Aim: To study the effectiveness and cost of a new school vision screening program involving all class teachers (ACTs) compared with the standard program involving a limited number of selected teachers (STs) in Southern India.Methods: A total of 12 schools were selected for intervention and 12 schools were matched as controls, from in and around Pondicherry, India. Teachers in both the intervention arm (ACTs) and the standard arm (STs) were trained to identify students between the ages of 6 and 17 years with visual acuity ≤20/30 in either eye or obvious ocular abnormalities and refer them to an ophthalmic team. The ophthalmic team, including an ophthalmologist, visited the schools to examine all children referred by teachers, provided medical treatment or a prescription for glasses, or referred them to the base hospital if required.Results: ACTs (761 teachers) screened 39,357 children (97.7%) and STs (156 teachers) screened 38,469 children (95.7%). ACTs found significantly fewer screen-positive children (n = 3806, 9.7%) than the STs (n = 6387, 16.6%; p < 0.001), but had a significantly larger number of children with actual vision loss and other ocular pathology (2231, 5.7% and 1554, 4.0%, respectively, p < 0.001). More children from ACTs than STs reached the base hospital for further investigation within 3 months (p < 0.001). The cost of screening per child with actual ocular pathology was estimated to be US$1.91 for ACTs and US$4.83 for STs.Conclusions: A school vision screening program involving ACTs resulted in more efficient screening than a program involving STs at about a third of the cost and also improved compliance with hospital referral.

Where have all the old folks gone? A report on access and uptake of NHS sight tests in the over 60s

Aim Visual impairment affects people of all ages, but its prevalence increases with age. The aim of this initiative was to better understand the uptake of NHS sight tests in Walsall in the over 60s age group. Methods The following data were analysed: i) NHS sight tests for England and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust; ii) ophthalmic manpower in England and Walsall from April 2008 to March 2013; iii) the location of practices in the borough of Walsall. Results We noted a steady increase in the uptake of NHS sight tests (9%) and domiciliary sight tests (17%) in England from April 2008 to March 2013. In Walsall, the uptake of NHS sight tests was marginally lower for the same period (8%), but showed an increase of 11.7% in domiciliary sight tests. There was a significant reduction in the uptake of NHS sight tests from the over 60s in Walsall, from 42.58% in 2008/09 to 23% in 2012/13. This in contrast to a steady uptake of about 44% over the same period in England for the same age group. We noted fewer practitioners per 100 000 population in Walsall compared with the national picture and a neighbouring statistically equivalent primary care trust. Fewer practices are located in the east of the borough and outside the inner ring road, and considerable areas of Walsall are not within a 15-minute walking distance of an optometric practice—a significant factor for attenuation of attendance. Conclusions There has been a substantial decrease in the uptake of NHS sight tests in the over 60s in Walsall over a five-year period. The low uptake of sight tests among older people is a major shortcoming of present arrangements at meeting the eye health needs of Walsall residents. This is exacerbated by a lower than national average of ophthalmic practitioners per 100 000 population in Walsall.

Amblyopia In Children 3-9 Years Old, With Refractive Anomalies During 2010-2011 In Prishtina

Background. Vision screening in schools has a long history, the reason of which was and continues to be, the treatment of refractive anomalies. Early detection of vision problems has many advantages in education and in everyday life. Aim of the study. The screening of the refractive anomalies in pre-school and school age children (3-9 years), in the city of Pristina aimed the determination of the prevalence of refractive anomalies. Materials and method. This is a transversal project- cross sectional, which has been conducted during 2010-2011. For the data collection we have designed a special questionnaire/form. We have selected the city of Prishtina for this work, Since the study was a zonal type of study, we have selected the city of Prishtina for this work. Our research included 1027 children of age 3-9 years old. Results. The prevalence of the eye refractive anomalies in children of age 3-9 years old results to be 11.7%, with variability from 9.7% to 13.7%, for 95% accuracy. In children of age 3-9 years old, myopia was encountered in 3.4% (or 34/103) of the cases , with variations from 2.3% up to 4.5%; hyperopia was found in 3.8% with variations from 2.6% up to 5.0%; astigmatism in 4.5%, with variations from 3.2% up to 5.8%, without significant differences based on age or gender. Conclusions. After a thorough analysis of the results, we came to the conclusion that screening of the refractive anomalies in children of age 3-9 years old is very important since their prevalence is apparent.

Monocular and binocular reading performance in subjects with normal binocular vision

BackgroundIt is well known that problems with binocular vision can cause issues for reading; less known is to what extent binocular vision improves reading performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of binocularity by directly comparing monocular and binocular reading in subjects with typical reading skills and normal binocular vision. A secondary purpose was to assess any asymmetry in monocular performance and its association with the sighting dominant eye.MethodsIn a balanced repeated measures experiment, 18 subjects read paragraphs of text under monocular and binocular conditions. All subjects went through an optometric examination before inclusion. Reading speed and eye movements were recorded with an eye tracker.ResultsThe mean difference in reading speed (2.1 per cent) between monocular (dominant and non‐dominant eye averaged) and binocular reading speed was not significant. A significant difference in reading speed was found between binocular and the non‐dominant eye, as determined by the far sighting test (p = 0.03). Monocular reading showed significantly increased (8.9 per cent) fixation duration (p < 0.01) and longer regressive saccades by 0.43 character spaces (p < 0.01). Reading with the non‐dominant eye, as determined by the near sighting test, showed increased progressive saccade length by 0.2 characters compared to the dominant eye (p = 0.03). No other significant differences between dominant and non‐dominant eyes were found. The agreement between the faster reading eye and ocular dominance was 44 to 56 per cent depending on whether dominance was determined at near or far.ConclusionThe outcomes suggest that in subjects with normal binocular vision, there is no marked enhancement in reading performance by binocular vision when reading paragraphs of text. Furthermore, the monocular reading performance appears to be close to equal and any small differences in performance appear not to be strongly associated with ocular dominance.

Two Degree of Freedom Helmet Mounted Sight Testing System

In the light of the backwardness of test means, over-complication in operation and inaccessibly to the test of the system main performance parameters in the case of army equipping Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS), extensive researches are conducted on improvement and home manufacture of HMS in No.×× project, to solve the actual problem of maintenance in the army, give a full insight into the principle of HMS and effectively better the utilization and maintenance of military of military equipment and study on the HMS test system . KEY WORDS: Helmet Mounted Sight,test system,Step motor,Control system