Secreening of visual acuity deficit among students in jordanian schools

ABSTRACT

To study the rate of occurrence of correctable visual acuity deficit in school children between 7-18 years of age in rural areas of Jordan. Using the illiterate E chart and a pinhole screening technique. 2150 school children were screened. 15 [0.7%] were wearing proper glasses while 48 [2%] were found to have correctable undetected visual acuity deficit. Of those who have correctable undetected visual acuity deficit, 80% were unaware of it. 13% were aware and were given glasses but refused to wear them. In 7% glasses were unavailable. Routine sight tests in state schools are ineffective and need to be revived as this may affect educational and social progress of school children