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Low vision device requirements among children from two schools for the blind in Tamil Nadu
Deepa John1, Chris Jacob2, Padma Paul1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Regular screening of children in schools for the blind can identify those who may benefit from low vision devices (LVD). This study highlights the importance of LVD for improving visual function in visually impaired students.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Vision Care
Background:
- Many children in schools for the blind may have residual vision.
- Identifying and utilizing this vision can improve educational outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify children with low vision in schools for the blind.
- To provide appropriate low vision devices (LVD).
- To encourage print reading skills in these children.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving children from two schools for the blind.
- Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) assessment using Snellen charts.
- Low vision assessment for distant and near vision using specialized charts and LVD prescription.
Main Results:
- 31 out of 185 children had BCVA of greater than counting finger (CF) ½ meter.
- Telescopic aids improved distant vision in a significant percentage of children.
- Low vision devices (LVD) enabled 25.8% of eligible children to read 1M print.
Conclusions:
- Routine screening in schools for the blind is crucial for identifying candidates for LVD.
- Mandatory specialist screening before admission to schools for the blind is recommended.
Purpose:
To identify children with low vision from two local schools for the blind, to provide low vision devices (LVD) to those who may benefit from it, and to encourage them to learn print.
Methods:
A prospective study was conducted among children from two local schools for the blind. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was done using the Snellen chart. Children with BCVA of counting finger (CF) 1/2 meter or more in the better eye underwent low vision assessment. Distant vision was assessed using the Feinbloom chart and near vision was assessed using the Lea symbol chart. Low vision devices (LVD) were prescribed as required.
Results:
Among 185 children enrolled, 31 children had BCVA of >CF ½ meter. Using a telescope, distant vision was better than 3/36 in 48.4%, 3/36-3/12 in 16.2%, and 3/9.5 to 3/3 in 35.4%. Among 23 children who read 1M at <10 cm, 22.6% could read 0.6-0.8M, and 25.8% could read 1M using LVD.
Conclusion:
Regular screening of children in schools for the blind could identify children who might benefit from LVD. A review of protocols for the entry of children in schools for the blind by screening these children by a specialist team prior to admission should be made mandatory.
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