Design and validation of the Arabic LogMAR chart, University of Buraimi (UoB) version

Galal Mohamed Ismail ¹, Zoelfigar Mohamed ¹, Babu Noushad ^1,2

⁰Department of Optometry, College of Health Sciences, University of Buraimi, Al Buraimi, Oman.

Oman Journal of Ophthalmology +

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November 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A new Arabic logMAR (UOB) chart was developed and validated for distance visual acuity testing. This chart shows good validity and repeatability, comparable to standard logMAR charts, for the Arabic population.

Area Of Science

Ophthalmology
Optometry
Vision Science

Background

Development of an Arabic logMAR (UOB) chart for distance visual acuity testing.
Chart designed based on the Bailey and Lovie principle.
Addresses the need for a validated Arabic-specific visual acuity chart.

Purpose Of The Study

To design and validate a new Arabic logMAR (UOB) version chart.
To assess the chart's validity and repeatability against standard logMAR charts.
To establish a reliable tool for clinical visual acuity assessment in Arabic speakers.

Main Methods

Selected 10 Arabic optotypes from 28 letters on a 5x5 grid for the chart.
Tested visual acuity at a 4-meter distance.
Examined validity and repeatability using paired t-tests against standard and Al Mufarrej logMAR charts.

Main Results

The UOB Arabic logMAR chart features 14 rows with 5 letters each, ranging from 1.0 to -0.3 logMAR.
Visual acuity scores ranged from -0.02 to 0.24 (mean 0.045 ± 0.061).
Demonstrated no significant difference compared to standard logMAR (P=0.248) and Al Mufarrej logMAR (P=0.318).

Conclusions

The Arabic logMAR UOB version chart exhibits good validity and repeatability.
Statistical differences in visual acuity measurements are within acceptable limits compared to the standard logMAR chart.
The chart is suitable for clinical use among the literate Arabic population.

Keywords:

Arabic logMAR UOB version chart legibility repeatability validity