Insights into vision: Unveiling the ocular morbidities in children through school screening

Purpose: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and distribution of ocular morbidities among children aged 5–17 years through school screening in a designated taluk of rural district-Nelamangala, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Design: A cross-sectional screening program was conducted as a part of routine screening under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment. Materials and Methods: A total of 3680 children studying in first to tenth standard, aged 5–17 years, were screened and categorised into three age groups: Group I (5–8 years), Group II (9–12 years), and Group III (13–17 years). Basic ocular examination was done, including visual acuity, light reflex test, refraction, extraocular movements, and anterior and posterior segment evaluation. Children requiring further evaluation were referred to the base hospital. Results: Out of 3680 children screened, 1196 had ocular morbidities (32.5%). The highest prevalence was observed in Group II (9–12 years), comprising 17.66% of the total. The most common morbidity was refractive error (15.92%), followed by Vitamin A deficiency (3.99%). Conclusion: Early school-based screening is effective in detecting treatable and preventable causes of ocular conditions in children, especially in rural areas where such conditions often go unnoticed. Hence, this study helps to seek early diagnosis and prevention of childhood blindness.