Clinical profile of prison inmates referred to a tertiary eye care centre in India: A retrospective observational study

Purpose: To describe the demographic characteristics, referral indications, visual status, ocular diagnoses, systemic comorbidities, and management of prison inmates referred to a tertiary eye care centre in South India.Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary eye care centre in South India. Medical records of 36 prison inmates referred for ophthalmic evaluation between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025 were reviewed. Demographic details, duration and indication for referral, presenting visual acuity, systemic comorbidities, ocular diagnoses, and treatment advised were recorded and analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: Among the 36 prison inmates, 94.4% were male and 5.6% were female, with the 31–40-year age group being the most common (25.0%). Diminution of vision (61.1%) was the leading reason for referral. Lens disorders (33.3%) and retinal disorders (33.3%) were the predominant ocular diagnoses, while hypertension (25.0%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (22.2%) were the most common systemic comorbidities. Refractive correction (19.4%) and cataract surgery (16.7%) were the most frequently advised interventions.Conclusion: Most prison inmates referred to the tertiary eye care centre had lens or retinal disorders, with a considerable proportion presenting with severe visual impairment. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were the most frequent systemic comorbidities identified in this cohort. Prison inmates, Correctional facilities, Ocular morbidity, Visual impairment, Eye screening, Ophthalmic evaluation, Prison health.