Ocular status and functional adaptation of visually challenged children of a special school in Oman

We assessed the ocular status and visual adaptation among children studying at a school for visually disabled children in Muscat, Oman. This descriptive study was conducted in 2009-2010. We assessed the visual and ocular status of the participants. They were interviewed to elicit the past history of eye problems and management. They also expressed their visual adaptation in their 'day-to-day' life, and their ambitions. We examined and interviewed 47 participants [29 male and 18 female]. The mean age of the participants was 19.7 years [Standard deviation 5.9 years]. Twenty-six of them were blind since birth. Phthisical eyes, disfigured eyes and anophthalmic sockets were noted in 19, 58, and six eyes of participants. Twenty-six [55.5%] participants had visual disabilities due to genetic causes, since birth. In 13 participants, further investigations were needed to confirm diagnosis and determine further management After low vision training, 13 participants with residual vision could be integrated in the school with normal children. One participant was recommended stem cell treatment for visual restoration. Five children were advised reconstructive orbital surgery. The participants were not keen to use a white cane for mobility. Some participants, 16 / 28 [57%], with absolute blindness, were not able to read the Braille language. Singing and playing music were not very well-accepted hobbies among the participants. Nineteen participants were keen to become teachers. Children with visual disabilities need to be periodically assessed. The underlying causes of visual disabilities should be further explored to facilitate prevention and genetic counseling. Participants had visual adaptation for daily living and had ambitions for the future

Knowledge of primary prevention of diabetic retinopathy among general ophthalmologists, mid level eye care personnel and general physicians in Oman

We present the outcomes of knowledge of diabetes and associated ocular complications among personnel comprising the eye care team in Oman. A closed ended questionnaire was administered during November 2008 and November 2009 to eye care team members in six regions of Oman, where trainings were held. All participants of these trainings were included in our study. The questionnaire comprised 15 questions that tested the knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and its ocular complications. They circled the most suitable reply for a list of choices. The replies were compared with the gold standard [answers from a medical retina specialist, a diabetologist's and general ophthalmologists answers]. The participants were divided into two groups; acceptable [more than 50% score compared to gold standard] and less than desired [less than 50% score compared to gold standard.] We estimated the areas of acceptable level of knowledge in different subgroups. All 87 [100%] of eye care team members participated. Of the 42 general ophthalmologists, 30 [71.4%] had an acceptable level of knowledge about primary prevention, ideal blood sugar and blood pressure levels and complication of diabetes. The acceptable level of knowledge among mid level eye care providers and general physicians was found in 15 [54.5%] and 4 [33.3%] respondents respectively. Less than the desired number of participants of the eye care team had an acceptable level of knowledge about primary prevention, ideal blood sugar and blood pressure levels and complications of diabetes. The training of eye care personnel need to enhance knowledge in the weak areas is identified in this study

Refractive error and visual functions in children with special needs compared with the first grade school students in Oman

We evaluated the refractive status and visual function of children with special needs [other handicap] in 2010 and compared them with healthy 1[st] grade school students in Oman. This was a cohort study. Optometrists recorded vision using a logarithm of minimum angle of resolution [LogMAR] chart. Preferential looking method was used for testing 31 children. Cycloplegic refraction was performed on all children. Contrast sensitivity was tested using 2.5%, 10%, and 100% contrast charts. Ocular movement, alignment, and anterior segment were also assessed. A pediatrician reviewed the health records of all the children at the time of their enrollment in this study to determine if the child had been diagnosed with a systemic condition or syndromes. The visual functions were assessed by study investigators. We estimated the rates and the risk of different visual function defects in children with special needs. The prevalence of refractive error in 70 children [4.7 +/- 0.8 years] with special needs [group 1] and 175 normal healthy first grade students [group 2] were 58.5% and 2.9%, respectively. The risk of refractive error was significantly higher in children with special needs [relative risk, 48.1 [95% confidence interval, 17.54-131.8]]. Hyperopia [>1.00 D], myopia [? 1.00D] and astigmatism [>/= +/- 1.00 D] were found in 18.6%, 24.3%, and 27.1%, respectively, in group 1. Six children in this group had defective near vision. Sixteen [80%] children with Down syndrome had refractive error. Seven [50%] children with developmental disorder showed decreased contrast sensitivity. Prevalence of uncorrected refractive error was much higher in children with special needs. Prevalence of strabismus, nystagmus, and reduced contrast sensitivity was also higher in children with special needs. Early vision screening, visual function assessment, correction of refractive error, and frequent follow-up are recommended