Prevalence of refractive error and low vision among schoolchildren in Cairo

ABSTRACT

A preliminary survey was conducted to detect the prevalence of refractive error [RE] and low vision among 5839 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years in Cairo, Egypt. Screening was done using Landolt broken ring chart and pinhole test. The prevalence of RE [visual acuity low vision [visual acuity prevalence of low vision was greatest among the preparatory schoolchildren aged 12 + years. RE was higher among the female students than males [21.4% and 13.6% respectively]. Development of a national survey for detection of visual problems for both preschool and school-aged children is recommended