Developing a community-based screening model for refractive error in school-aged children in Indonesia

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Ophthalmology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Uncorrected refractive errors pose a significant public health challenge for Indonesian school children.
• A comprehensive screening model is crucial for early detection and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a community-based screening model for refractive error detection in Indonesian school-aged children.
• Establish implementation guidelines across multiple healthcare dimensions through expert consensus.

Main Methods:

• A three-round Delphi consensus study involving 86 multidisciplinary experts in Indonesia.
• Examined five key dimensions: policy, screening period/frequency, program design, human resources, and facilities/infrastructure.
• Iterative gathering of expert opinions on practical implementation and system integration.

Main Results:

• Consensus on integrating primary healthcare, establishing national guidelines, and allocating dedicated funding.
• Recommended annual screenings with age-appropriate methods and standardized training.
• Identified key infrastructure requirements and data management protocols.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive screening model was developed for early detection of refractive errors and improved child development.
• The model emphasizes stakeholder engagement and healthcare system integration.
• Future research should evaluate long-term outcomes and model adaptability.