ABSTRACT
Background: Schoolteachers who have knowledge on eye diseases can detect early children with eye disorders and refer them promptly to an eye specialist. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of teachers in a vision screening program for primary school children in Abakaliki. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 20 randomly selected primary schoolteachers in Abakaliki to screen for vision abnormalities and detect eye problems among 350 children from 5 schools. Teachers participated in a 2-day training using a modified training algorithm on vision screening using a Snellen's chart and in the identification of common ocular abnormalities. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 26 statistical program and a p-value of <0.05 at 95% confidence level was statistically significant. Results: A total of 379 children were enrolled into the study however, 350 (92.3%) children participated in the study. School teachers correctly identified 283 (92.8%) children who had normal vision and 33(73.3%) who had impaired vision. Overall 60 (17.1%) children with perceived eye defects were referred to the ophthalmologist for re-examination. Refractive error and allergic conjunctivitis were the most common eye problems identified and children with refractive error and other ocular morbidity were referred to the base hospital. Conclusion: Teachers are a valuable resource in the detection of eye disorders among school children. Their effectiveness can be further enhanced by regular training, and collaboration with eye care professionals. Addressing these limitations through policy implementation can lead to better eye health outcomes for school children in Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease involving the orbit has been reported severally with extensive discourse on management strategies. However, rhabdomyoblastic differentiation coexisting with the disease is yet unreported. We present the clinical and histopathological features of a 12-year-old boy presenting with both. A 12-year-old boy was referred to our Ophthalmic Plastic Surgical Service with a 5-year history of bilateral, progressively enlarging eyelid, orbital masses causing proptosis, and severe cosmetic blemish. He had suffered vision loss to the right eye following trauma 2 years prior to the onset of the disease. Computed tomography of the orbits revealed preseptal and intraorbital components of well-defined multi-lobulated masses in both orbits. No significant nodal involvement was noted. He underwent excision biopsy of the tumor in both eyes performed 1 month apart. A histopathologic diagnosis of the Rosai-Dorfman disease with focal areas of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation was made. He was treated postoperatively with a course of oral steroids with close observation for the rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. Rosai-Dorfman disease is an uncommon disease and has been reported to coexist with other pathologies. We highlight focal myoblastic differentiation within the excised tissues which may not necessarily warrant a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. Long-term follow-up of this patient is required to establish the safety of observation.
