Cause of blindness in the Eastern province blind schools

Two hundred and nineteen pupils and blind teachers in schools for the blind in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia were examined during the winter of 1981. Identifying the causes of blindness in this group helps to work out suitable strategies to eliminate avoidable blindness in the community and plan schooling for the blind and partially sighted. No distinction is made between partially sighted and totally blind in teaching methodology. Poor to non-existing ophthalmic examination on registration to a blind school [Al-Noor Institutes] was noted. Lack of ophthalmic services following admission may also lead to further loss of vision as some were found in need of further ophthalmic care