Entretodos Foundation, Zaragoza, Spain; Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain; Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, and History of Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Observatory of Public Policies and Health (OPPS), University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain;
Glob Health Action. 2014 Feb 13;7:22656. doi: 10.3402/gha.v7.22656. eCollection 2014.
Refractive error is defined as the inability of the eye to bring parallel rays of light into focus on the retina, resulting in nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia) or astigmatism. Uncorrected refractive error in children is associated with increased morbidity and reduced educational opportunities. Vision screening (VS) is a method for identifying children with visual impairment or eye conditions likely to lead to visual impairment.
To analyze the utility of vision screening conducted by teachers and to contribute to a better estimation of the prevalence of childhood refractive errors in Apurimac, Peru. Design : A pilot vision screening program in preschool (Group I) and elementary school children (Group II) was conducted with the participation of 26 trained teachers. Children whose visual acuity was<6/9 [20/30] (Group I) and ≤ 6/9 (Group II) in one or both eyes, measured with the Snellen Tumbling E chart at 6 m, were referred for a comprehensive eye exam. Specificity and positive predictive value to detect refractive error were calculated against clinical examination. Program assessment with participants was conducted to evaluate outcomes and procedures.
A total sample of 364 children aged 3-11 were screened; 45 children were examined at Centro Oftalmológico Monseñor Enrique Pelach (COMEP) Eye Hospital. Prevalence of refractive error was 6.2% (Group I) and 6.9% (Group II); specificity of teacher vision screening was 95.8% and 93.0%, while positive predictive value was 59.1% and 47.8% for each group, respectively. Aspects highlighted to improve the program included extending training, increasing parental involvement, and helping referred children to attend the hospital.
Prevalence of refractive error in children is significant in the region. Vision screening performed by trained teachers is a valid intervention for early detection of refractive error, including screening of preschool children. Program sustainability and improvements in education and quality of life resulting from childhood vision screening require further research.
屈光不正定义为眼睛无法将平行光线聚焦在视网膜上，导致近视（近视）、远视（远视）或散光。儿童未矫正的屈光不正与发病率增加和受教育机会减少有关。视力筛查（VS）是一种识别视力障碍或可能导致视力障碍的眼部疾病儿童的方法。
分析教师进行视力筛查的效用，并有助于更好地估计秘鲁阿普里马克省儿童屈光不正的患病率。设计：在学前班（第 I 组）和小学儿童（第 II 组）中进行了一项试点视力筛查计划，有 26 名经过培训的教师参与。使用 Snellen Tumbling E 图表在 6 米处测量双眼视力<6/9[20/30]（第 I 组）和≤6/9（第 II 组）的儿童，转诊进行全面眼科检查。针对临床检查计算了检测屈光不正的特异性和阳性预测值。通过参与者进行了方案评估，以评估结果和程序。
共筛查了 364 名 3-11 岁的儿童；有 45 名儿童在 Centro Oftalmológico Monseñor Enrique Pelach（COMEP）眼科医院接受检查。屈光不正的患病率为 6.2%（第 I 组）和 6.9%（第 II 组）；教师视力筛查的特异性分别为 95.8%和 93.0%，而每组的阳性预测值分别为 59.1%和 47.8%。为改进该计划，突出了以下方面：延长培训、增加家长参与度、帮助转诊儿童到医院就诊。
该地区儿童屈光不正的患病率很高。经过培训的教师进行的视力筛查是早期发现屈光不正的有效干预措施，包括对学龄前儿童的筛查。儿童视力筛查对项目的可持续性以及教育和生活质量的提高需要进一步研究。
