Screening For Ocular Morbidity in School Children – Early Detection for Better Future

This study was done to determine the prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive errors and ocular diseases in lower middle class school children of Imphal, India. A total of 842 children, which included 481 males and 361 females, in the age range of 4 to 17 years from 5 schools were screened with a detailed ocular examination protocol. Among 842 children in whom 20 students (2.37%) had visual acuity < 6/18 in the better eye (equivalent to visual impairment), while 2 (0.2%) had visual acuity < 6/60 in the better eye (equivalent to economic blindness). data support the assumption that vision screening of school children in developing countries could be useful in detecting correctable causes of decreased vision, especially refractive errors, and in minimizing long term permanent visual disability. A total approach in a school eye health programme must include teacher orientation and health education of children in addition to screening for eye diseases. Considering the fact that one-third of India's blind lose their eyesight before the age of 20 years and many of them are under five when they become blind, early detection and treatment of ocular morbidity among children is important.