Abstract
PURPOSE: Ocular morbidities in school children are often preventable or treatable. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of eye disorders among students in the field practice area of a medical college in Central India. METHODS: An observational study was conducted in seven schools near a Central Indian medical college. A total of 2216 students (1215 males, 1001 females, aged 6-16 years) underwent screening by trained medical student-supervisors. Assessments included visual acuity, pinhole vision, color vision, and strabismus. Anterior segment examination was performed. Students with suspected issues were referred for comprehensive evaluation. Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test was conducted. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of ocular morbidity was 12.9%, predominantly uncorrected refractive error (9.5%). Morbidity was slightly higher in females (13.1%) than in males (12.7%), with the uncorrected refractive error significantly more common in females ( P < 0.05) and color vision deficiency in males ( P < 0.05). Private school children had a higher refractive error (13.2% vs 8.8%, P = 0.002), while vitamin A deficiency occurred only in government schools ( P = 0.0004). Visual impairment was seen in 2.8%, differing significantly by sex ( P = 0.002) and age group ( P = 0.004). Nearly 96% of identified morbidities were preventable or treatable. CONCLUSIONS: A significant prevalence of ocular morbidities, particularly URE and VAD, exists among school children in this central Indian region. Age and gender are significant factors for URE. Improved school-based screening with effective referral systems and community education are crucial for addressing childhood visual impairment in this area.