ABSTRACT
Background: Visual acuity is a fundamental of an eye examination. It establishes in a quantitative way how well an eye can see. Apart from being a starting point in dealing with an eye; it is also a prognostic reference point and a medico-legal tool. Very few studies directly related to visual acuities are available as many authors concentrate on blindness and visual impairment. Aim: To document the presenting visual acuity of patients seen in a new Eye Centre in Port Harcourt over a 12 -month period. Methods: The visual acuities of the first 202 patients seen at a new private eye centre were obtained from case file records. The visual acuities were then analysed from 6/6 and better to No Light Perception. The visual acuities were further analysed into satisfactory vision; low vision; bilateral and uniocular blindness. Also analysed were age and sex distribution and a panoramic overview of the ocular problems of the patients. Results: Visual acuities 6/6 and better was seen in 32.2of the patients. In functional vision groupings 78.7had satisfactory vision; while 20.9had low vision. Bilateral blindness was found in 0.5and uniocular blindness in 0.9. Males were 54.0of the patients while 46.0were female. The age range 20-50 years accounted for 63.8of the patients. Conclusion: This study has documented the prevalence of satisfactory vision; low vision; bilateral and uniocular blindness in Port Harcourt and it will serve as a reference point in future visual acuity studies in the region