ABSTRACT
Vision impairment is an important issue in pediatric ophthalmology. Reports indicate a decrease in educational quality in students with impaired vision especially in primary school age. This study evaluates the prevalence of vision impainnent in primary schools of Mashhad in 1383-1384 educational years. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 2130, 7 to 11 year old students [1047 boys, 1083 girls] were examined. Sample size included 2 primary schools [one from each gender] from one of the 7 educational sections of Mashhad city. 150 cases were chosen from each school bearing equal proportions from all primary levels. Visual acuity was measured using Snellen chart regarding 6 meters distance. Students with visual acuity less than 811 0, which was uncorrectable with glasses, were referred to Mashhad Khatam-AI-Anbiya Hospital. In this study 5.2% of cases had different visual impairment in one or both eyes. More than half [3.1%] were referred to Mashhad Khatam-AI-Anbiya Hospital. Prevalence of amblyopia in one or both eyes was 0.8% and 3.4% of students had refractive error. Strabismus was seen in 0.3% and 0.2% were malingering. This study demonstrates the sufficiency of national program for pre school visual evaluation, especially when compared with similar previous reports