Refocus on children programme results

1 June 2015 | Fiona Rowe (Prof) | Paediatric Ophthalmology / Strabismus

The authors describe the logistics and results of the refocus on children programme for the 2012-13 school year. The aim of the programme was to help school nurses provide access to comprehensive vision care and reduce unnecessary visual loss or impairment. The programme was designed to reach children in 23 low income schools. The Plusoptix screener was used and 2750 children were successfully screened. Of that 741 were referred (27%). Consent for further examination was obtained for 419 children and 192 were given glasses. There was a 49% response rate to the request for feedback from teachers for these children. Children receiving glasses typically wore them regularly. A total of 70% of teachers reported that children liked their glasses. Positive comments from teachers included reduced squinting, better vision, improved academic performance, and improved child focus on lessons, improved participation and interaction. Negative comments included children being embarrassed to wear glasses, taking poor care of glasses and glasses being used as a toy. Overall the study examined 56% of children referred. As the process was completed at school, the students received the support of the entire team which helped with wearing new glasses. Half of the children referred needed glasses.