Paediatric Vision Screening: A School-Based Approach to Identification of Childhood Eye Diseases and Visual Impairment

Abstract

Background: Despite evidence of the developmental and educational importance of good vision, childhood eye health continues to receive inadequate attention within Nigeria’s preventive health framework.

Objective: To identify childhood eye disease and visual impairment through paediatric vision screening among school children in Southwest Nigeria.

Methods: A multi‑stage random sampling technique was used to select and screen 364 pupils for visual impairment from a total of 300, 690 pupils aged 4–17years attending government-owned preschool, primary, and junior secondary schools in a city in Southwest Nigeria. They all had ophthalmic evaluation using distance Snellen visual acuity chart, pen torches, loupe magnifier and direct ophthalmoscope.

Results: Out of the 364 pupils, 45.3% were males while 54.7% were females. The mean age was 9.2±0.65 years. Respondents aged 6-10 years formed 57.1% of the cohort. The prevalence of eye disorders was 27.8% while the commonest cause of eye disorder was refractive error (46.6%), followed by allergic conjunctivitis (39.6%).

Conclusion: The commonest cause of eye disorders in this study is treatable. There is a need for regular school screening to ensure early identification of this treatable cause to avoid needless visual impairment that could impair learning.