Awareness of teachers at preschool educational institutions about the issues concerning visual impairments prevention in childhood

Abstract

The aim of our study was to examine awareness of preschool teachers in Ukraine about the manifestations of visual impairment in childhood, as well as their willingness to participate in preventive measures. Materials and Methods. Results of a sociological survey conducted among preschool teachers in Ukraine (4712 questionnaires). Methods of sociological research and medical statistics were used. Results and Discussion. The majority of respondents (87.97±0.47%) believe that a preschool worker mustpossess knowledge about the signs of visual impairment in children; 85.97±0.51% are familiar with the hygienic norms on visual load in childhood and promptly and continuously inform children about the risk of eye diseases and injuries. A vast majority (89.03±0.46%) of respondents noted the presence of medical professionals (nurses) at the institution where they work, whose functions include preventive work. In case of a visual impairment in a child, the teachers of preschool educational institutions would rather entrust supervision of the child's visual function to a pediatric ophthalmologist, and much less often to a pediatrician or a family doctor. Conclusions. A large-scale Ukraine-wide survey of preschool teachers revealed the lack of their awareness about the problems of preserving vision in childhood. The majority of respondents support the expediency of conducting regular inspections of visual functions, and the possible introduction of the state prevention programs to preserve vision in childhood.

Keywords

• visual impairment, children, preschool educators