Effective refractive error coverage and spectacle coverage among school children in Telangana, South India

Abstract

BackgroundRefractive error (RE) is one of the leading causes of childhood vision impairment. Increasing effective refractive error coverage (e-REC) is one of the main goals of WHO's 2030 global eye health targets. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of RE, e-REC, risk factors and spectacle coverage among school children in Telangana, South India. MethodsSchool children aged 4-15 years in the study locations underwent vision screening using 6/12 tumbling E optotype by trained community eye health workers in the schools. Those failing the initial vision screening and/or found to be having eye conditions were referred to a nearby referral centre appropriately, where they underwent detailed eye examination. ResultsA total of 774 184 children were screened in schools of which 51.49% were boys. The mean age was 9.40 ± 3.27 years. The prevalence of RE was 1.44% (95%CI:1.41-1.46) of which myopia was 1.38% (95%CI:1.35-1.41). In multivariate analysis, the risk of myopia was higher among older children (Adj.OR: 17.04; 95%CI: 14.64-19.85), those residing in urban areas (Adj.OR:3.05, 95%CI:2.60-3.57), those with disabilities (Adj.OR:2.61, 95%CI:2.00-3.39) and among girls (Adj.OR:1.30, 95%CI:1.25-1.35) (P=0.00). The overall e-REC was 56.97% and the spectacle coverage was 62.83%. ConclusionMyopia being the most common type of RE, the risk factors included increasing age, urban location, and presence of disability. The need for interventions to improve e-REC to achieve 2030 global eye health target is also eminent among children in this region. Key messagesWhat is currently know in the topic? One of the two major indicators for 2030 global eye health targets set by World Health Organization (WHO) include increasing effective refractive error coverage (e-REC) by 40%. However, currently there is no evidence reporting on e-REC among children in the literature both within and outside India.What does this study add to the literature?This study reports on both e-REC and refractive error prevalence among school children covering a larger geographical area as part of a large-scale school vision screening program. The ndings from this study would serve as a baseline data for future school eye health programs and research planning in the topic.