Vadas-Varga Katalin, Barbarics Johanna, Bankó Éva Mária, Domsa Patrícia
1 Magyar Máltai Szeretetszolgálat Budapest Magyarország.
2 Non Plus Ultra Látásközpont Budapest, Alíz u. 6/B, 1117 Magyarország.
Orv Hetil. 2025 Jul 27;166(30):1181-1194. doi: 10.1556/650.2025.33333.
Introduction: Since 2020, the pediatric ophthalmology screening program of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta has been providing ophthalmic care for children in disadvantaged settlements across Hungary. This study evaluates the public health impact of the program during its first four years, with a particular focus on the distribution of refractive errors and the presence of amblyogenic refractive factors. Objective: The aim of our study is to assess the operation and effectiveness of the program through the concept of “vision saved”, which encompasses interventions aimed at preventing amblyopia – such as prescribing corrective glasses, performing ophthalmic surgeries, and administering occlusion therapy. In the first part of our study, we focus on the prevalence of refractive errors and their correction. Method: Refractive error categories and distributions were determined based on data obtained using handheld video refractometers during screenings. As an indicator of screening efficiency, we analyzed referrals to optometrists, placing special emphasis on unnecessary (false alarm) referrals. Children with amblyogenic refractive errors were categorized separately in the prescription data, as timely correction can prevent the development of amblyopia in these cases. Results: Between 2020 and 2023, the screening team performed 26,410 vision screenings in 127 settlements, reaching 19,724 children. This dataset provides the first comprehensive overview of the refractive status of the Hungarian paediatric population. Among the eyes examined, 60% were emmetropic, 30.5% exhibited various forms of astigmatism, and 9.5% had pure spherical refractive errors (7.4% hyperopia; 1.87% myopia). In total, 3,985 children were referred to optometrists, corresponding to a 20% referral rate. Altogether, 2,773 pairs of spectacles were prescribed, of which 1,224 (44%) fell within the amblyogenic refractive error range and are therefore considered cases of vision saved. Discussion: The effectiveness of the screening practice improved over time, with the false alarm referral rate stabilising at 2%. The program’s sustained presence over five years has contributed to increased parental engagement and a rise in spectacle wear, which exceeded 70% by 2024. These results highlight the program’s significance. Conclusion: The pediatric ophthalmology screening program of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta is unique in Hungary, as it provides comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation and care for disadvantaged children – from vision screening to organizing surgical interventions. Its long-term objective is to improve the quality of life of affected children through the early detection and correction of ophthalmic disorders. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(30): 1181–1194.
自2020年以来，马耳他骑士团匈牙利慈善服务机构的儿科眼科筛查项目一直在为匈牙利各地处境不利定居点的儿童提供眼科护理。本研究评估了该项目头四年对公共卫生的影响，特别关注屈光不正的分布情况以及致弱视屈光因素的存在情况。目的：我们研究的目的是通过“挽救视力”这一概念来评估该项目的运作和效果，“挽救视力”涵盖了旨在预防弱视的干预措施，如开具矫正眼镜处方、进行眼科手术以及实施遮盖疗法。在我们研究的第一部分，我们重点关注屈光不正的患病率及其矫正情况。方法：根据筛查期间使用手持式视频验光仪获得的数据确定屈光不正类别和分布情况。作为筛查效率的指标，我们分析了转介给验光师的情况，特别强调不必要的（误报）转介。在处方数据中，将有致弱视屈光不正的儿童单独分类，因为及时矫正可预防这些病例中弱视的发展。结果：2020年至2023年期间，筛查团队在127个定居点进行了26410次视力筛查，覆盖19724名儿童。该数据集首次全面概述了匈牙利儿童的屈光状态。在接受检查的眼睛中，60%为正视眼，30.5%表现出各种形式的散光，9.5%有单纯性球面屈光不正（7.4%远视；1.87%近视）。共有3985名儿童被转介给验光师，转介率为20%。总共开具了2773副眼镜处方，其中1224副（44%）属于致弱视屈光不正范围，因此被视为挽救视力的病例。讨论：筛查实践的有效性随着时间的推移有所提高，误报转介率稳定在2%。该项目五年的持续开展有助于提高家长的参与度，配镜率也有所上升，到2024年超过了70%。这些结果凸显了该项目的重要性。结论：马耳他骑士团匈牙利慈善服务机构的儿科眼科筛查项目在匈牙利独具特色，因为它为处境不利的儿童提供全面的眼科评估和护理，从视力筛查到组织手术干预。其长期目标是通过早期发现和矫正眼科疾病来提高受影响儿童的生活质量。《匈牙利医学周报》。2025年；166(30):1181–1194。
