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Compliance with spectacle use among schoolchildren in a school health programme in Islamabad, Pakistan
Guillaume Trotignon1, Iain Jones1, Sumrana Yasmin2
1Evidence, Research and Innovations, Sightsavers, 35 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3BW, UK.
Background:
Uncorrected refractive error is a leading cause of visual impairment globally, significantly affecting an individual's educational outcomes, economic opportunities and overall well-being. This study evaluates the compliance with spectacle use among schoolchildren in Islamabad, Pakistan, and identifies factors influencing spectacle wearing.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental study was conducted within 14 conveniently selected schools, targeting children aged 5-18 y. Children in Group 1 received free spectacles following an eye examination, while children in Group 2 received only a prescription for spectacles. Data were collected through interviews and the influence of mode of delivery on spectacles ownership and use was analysed.
Results:
A total of 790 children participated. The overall compliance with spectacle use was 42.5%, significantly higher in Group 1 (53.6%) compared with Group 2 (34.7%) (p<0.005). The main reasons for non-compliance included broken/lost spectacles, a lack of time to obtain spectacles and a belief that they did not need them.
Conclusions:
Providing free spectacles significantly improves ownership and compliance with spectacle use among schoolchildren compared with children who received a prescription only. However, enhanced awareness and education about the value of eye health and the importance of spectacle use are recommended to maximise the benefits of these programmes.
