Prevalence of Visual Impairments among School- Aged Children: The Results of a National Screening Program

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 General Direcor, Family, Health, Population and School Health Bureau, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran

2 General Director, Health and Physical Activity and Prevention of Social Hazards Office, Ministry of Education and Training, Tehran

3 Senior Expert, Youth and School Health Office, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran

4 Head of Adolescents, Youth and School Health Office, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran

5 Specialist in Community&Preventive Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

6 Research Assistant, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

7 Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

Abstract

Background: Visual impairments affect child development and limit their social activity, education and future life. In this study, the prevalence of visual impairments was determined among school-aged children in a screening program.

Methods: All first and third grade students in primary schools, first grade students in secondary and high schools related to Iranian universities of medical science were selected. The data were gathered by universities in 2007.

Findings:The prevalence of visual impairments was 4.7% and 3.8% in first grade and third grade students in primary schools. It was 5.8% and 4.1% in first grade students in secondary and high schools respectively. The highest prevalence (10.59%) was reported from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.

Conclusion: It is considered more detailed interventions are necessary, especially in high prevalence regions, to determine the different types of visual impairments and their risk factors.

Key words: Screening, Visual impairments, School children.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 27, Issue 101 - Serial Number 101
September and October 2010
Pages 687-697

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 November 2010
  • Revise Date:
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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