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Characteristics of a paediatric low vision population in a private eye hospital in India
1LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.
Insights
Private hospitals in India offer vital low vision services for children. Spectacles were the most common low vision device prescribed, highlighting optometry
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Private hospitals are a key access point for pediatric low vision services in urban India.
- Limited data exists on the effectiveness and scope of these services.
- Understanding service delivery is crucial for improving pediatric vision care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the characteristics and outcomes of children attending a new pediatric low vision center in a private Indian eye hospital.
- To identify the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in this cohort.
- To evaluate the role of optometry and low vision devices in managing visual impairment.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 220 children's records at a pediatric low vision center in Hyderabad.
- Data collected on visual impairment classification, causes, and prescribed low vision devices.
- Analysis of the impact of distance refraction and near task magnification.
Main Results:
- 49% of children had moderate visual impairment, 31% severe, and 20% were blind.
- Major causes included congenital glaucoma, hereditary macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and albinism.
- Spectacles were the most common low vision device; distance refraction reduced severe impairment by 31%.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric low vision services in private hospitals are essential for addressing visual impairment in Indian children.
- Optometry plays a critical role through the prescription of devices like spectacles.
- Establishing low vision clinics within existing eye hospitals, utilizing optometric staff, is a cost-effective strategy.
Abstract:
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 paediatric low vision centre 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 minimise visual impairment in Indian children.