Résumé
To study the prevalence of refractive errors and certain eye diseases in children in southern Jordan. In the period between May 2001 and April 2002, 1725 patients [6-14 years of age] visiting the Pediatric Clinics in Prince Ali Hospital, Jordan for non ophthalmologic complaints were tested by a pediatrician for their visual acuity [VA] using a Snellen's E-chart. Patients with suspected eye abnormalities and those with VA of <6/12 were referred for further detailed eye examination. Twelve patients had bilateral VA of <6/12, and an additional 5 patients had unilateral VA of <6/12. Strabismus was seen in 9 patients [0.5%], and amblyopia in 5 patients [0.3%]. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis was seen in 26 patients [1.5%]. It is important to conduct a large study, perhaps a multicenter study to evaluate the eye diseases in developing countries