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Spectacle prescribing among 10-year-old children
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Overprescribing spectacles to children is common, with many receiving glasses despite no or minimal visual impairment. This practice, particularly prevalent in lower social classes, warrants financial consideration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Spectacle prescription for children is a significant public health concern.
- Previous national birth cohort studies indicated potential issues with spectacle provision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of spectacle prescription among 10-year-old children in the 1970 national birth cohort.
- To assess the appropriateness of spectacle prescriptions based on visual acuity.
- To examine factors associated with spectacle possession and non-possession.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 1970 national birth cohort study.
- Assessment of visual acuity in children prescribed spectacles.
- Survey of spectacle possession during school medical examinations.
Main Results:
- 10-12% of 10-year-old children were prescribed spectacles.
- 20% had no visual impairment, and 15-20% had minimal defects.
- Only two-thirds possessed their spectacles at examination, with lower social classes and unimpaired children less likely to have them.
Conclusions:
- Overprescribing of spectacles to school children appears to be a widespread issue.
- The findings suggest potential financial implications due to unnecessary prescriptions.
- Further investigation into the appropriateness of spectacle provision in pediatric populations is warranted.