Project Hawkeye: A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of undetected refractive errors in schoolage children

Remigio Jay-ar  Z. Butacan,; Maria Immanuelle  C. Devela,; Gabrielle  H. Delos Reyes,; Jan Erik  B. Detran,; Khia Cates  N. Devoma,; Miguel Enrico  D. Dial,; Jurish Candice  E. Diaz,; Rafael Jose  A. Dimaculangan,; Alejandro  S. Dizon Jr.,; Dean Marco  R. Dizon,; Patricia Mae  F. Domingo,; Banette Lysa  F. Estacio,; Fay Charmaine  S. Cruz,

Project Hawkeye: A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of undetected refractive errors in schoolage children

Abstract:

Introduction In the Philippines, essential eye care services are not easily accessible especially for those in lower income groups, putting public elementary school students at risk for underdiagnosis of problems in visual acuity. The objective of this investigation was to determine prevalence of undetected refractive errors among public elementary students using the Welch Allyn Spot™ Vision Screener. Methods A cross-sectional design was used in this investigation to estimate the prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors in the first grade students in San Perfecto Elementary School using Welch Allyn Spot™ Vision Screener (Photoscreener). Eligible students who gave informed consent and assent answered a questionnaire and underwent an eye examination. The prevalence of undetected errors of refraction were computed for the sample population and for selected demographic variables. Results Approximately one out of four students (24.53%) had errors of refraction, with the most common type being astigmatism (22.64%), followed by myopia (3.77%) and hyperopia (2.83%). Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of undetected refractive errors among school-age children, higher than current published data (5%) in the Philippines.

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