Screening for Refractive Errors Among Nursing Students Using the WHOeyes Application in Shivamogga City

Refractive errors are one of the most frequent causes of visual impairment globally and remain largely preventable with early screening and correction. Many people suffer from uncorrected refractive errors, even though the interventions are effective and low-cost. Healthcare students, especially nursing students, are at high risk because they spend a long time doing near work and watching screens, but vision screening is not widely practiced in most institutions. This study aims to assess the prevalence of refractive errors among nursing students in Shivamogga city based on the WHOeyes application (World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland) and to determine the risk factors associated with refractive errors.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among nursing students of Subbaiah Institute of Nursing, Shivamogga, from January to June 2025. Screening of 577 students aged ≥18 years was done with the WHOeyes app. Distance vision was measured at 2 meters, and classification of visual impairment was mild (visual acuity (VA) <6/12-6/18), moderate (VA <6/18-6/60), severe (VA <6/60-3/60), or blindness (VA <3/60). Socio-demographic information was noted. Data were processed employing descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and other relevant tests of significance, with p < 0.05 being significant.

Out of 577 participants, most were 20-22 years old (52.3%), females (84.7%), and rural residents (58.4%). The largest group of students represented socioeconomic class III (36.4%). In the right eye, most participants had normal vision (87.7%), followed by mild (7.6%), moderate (4.2%), and severe impairment (0.5%). In the left eye, normal vision was seen in 84.1%, with mild (12.0%), moderate (2.8%), and severe impairment (1.2%).

This study emphasizes the role of regular vision screening among nursing students to detect refractive errors at an early stage, referral at the appropriate time, and increased awareness about ocular health. Incorporation of such screening programs in schools can facilitate a decrease in the load of uncorrected refractive errors and ensure eye health among future healthcare professionals.