Severe Visual Impairment in Schools (A PEEK Study)

Childhood visual impairment is a major public health concern. The global financial burden of childhood-onset blindness greater than that adult-onset due to the longer span living. importance good vision for education and socialisation from an early age has prompted adoption screening in schools by many national eye care programmes Zimbabwe. Therefore, aim purpose this study were determine prevalence pattern conditions affecting school children screened during course “Portable Eye Examination Kit (PEEK) project.” was retrospective review utilized data collated analysed PEEK project dashboard June 2019 December 2020 well-trained providers. sample size 4591 school-going aged between 5 20 years recruited Harare Bulawayo schools. Results showed 58% did not have any problems while 24% had red watery itchy eye, 10% 2% lid globe issues strabismus. acuity results majority participants, 2/3, as they recorded Snellen test score 6/9 or better. In addition, 1/5 mild impairment, about participants legally blind. 15% moderate severe impairment.