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Abstract #5969 Published in IGR 2-2
Characteristics of a paediatric low vision population in a private eye hospital in India
Gothwal VK; Herse POphthalmic and Physiological Optics 2000; 20: 212-219
While private hospitals provide an important access point for low vision services for children in urban India, little is known about this service delivery route. A cross-sectional survey was done of consecutive records of 220 children presenting at a newly opened pediatric low vision center in a private eye hospital in Hyderabad. On presentation, 49% of the children were classified as moderately visually impaired, 31% were severely visually impaired and 20% were blind. The four major causes of visual impairment were the hereditary/genetic conditions of congenital glaucoma, hereditary macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and albinism. Approach magnification was sufficient for required near tasks in all pre-school children and about 50% of school children. Provision of a distance refraction decreased the prevalence of severe visual impairment and blindness by 31%. The most commonly prescribed low vision devices were spectacles indicating a key role for optometry in the management of visual impairment in Indian children. Establishment of low vision clinics in existing Indian eye hospitals using associated optometric staff would be a cost effective method to minimize visual impairment in Indian children.
Dr. V.K. Gothwal, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
Classification:
1.5 Glaucomas as cause of blindness (Part of: 1 General aspects)
