Prevalence of Visual Impairments among School- Aged Children: The Results of a National Screening Program

Abstract

Background: Visual impairments affect child development and limit their social activity, education and future life. In this study, the prevalence of visual impairments was determined among school-aged children in a screening program. Methods: All first and third grade students in primary schools, first grade students in secondary and high schools related to Iranian universities of medical science were selected. The data were gathered by universities in 2007. Findings:The prevalence of visual impairments was 4.7% and 3.8% in first grade and third grade students in primary schools. It was 5.8% and 4.1% in first grade students in secondary and high schools respectively. The highest prevalence (10.59%) was reported from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Conclusion: It is considered more detailed interventions are necessary, especially in high prevalence regions, to determine the different types of visual impairments and their risk factors. Key words: Screening, Visual impairments, School children.