Ophthalmology 21

Short-sightedness in children

Educational platform www.miopia.pl

The Foundation for the Advancement of Ophthalmology "Okulistyka 21" has prepared a new educational platform on myopia in children www.miopia.pl. Presented in an accessible manner, it is a reliable and up-to-date resource for parents and carers. It is based on the latest scientific research on child vision. The website is independent of companies interested in selling a particular product/offer, thus maintaining full objectivity.

Summary of screening campaign in kindergartens and primary schools: May-July 2021.

Between 14 May and 7 July 2021, the Foundation for Supporting the Development of Ophthalmology "Okulistyka 21", under the leadership of Prof. Andrzej Grzybowski, MD, conducted a children's eye screening campaign. The tests took place in kindergartens and primary schools run by the National Educational Operator in Poznań and Rokietnica. In kindergartens, children of all ages were included in the campaign, while in schools the offer was addressed primarily to children in grades 1-3. The tests were carried out using the Plusoptix S12C device (Fig. 1). Optometry students of the Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań were involved. After the examination, each parent received information on the result of the examination and further recommendations.

Figure 1. Plusoptix S12C device

A total of 425 children took part in the study (Figure 2), representing 27% of all the children we targeted. Four kindergartens and one primary school did not participate.

Fig. 2. Number of children tested in relation to the number of children in the kindergarten/school

The participants were mainly four-, five- and six-year-olds (Figure 3), and represented 75% of the children surveyed.

Fig. 3. Age of children

In 3 children, the examination could not be completed, this was mainly related to difficulty in focusing (Figure 4). In 145 of the children examined, the risk of visual impairment or defect was detected. Parents of these children were advised to go with their child for a full ophthalmological examination to thoroughly check vision and implement any correction.

Fig. 4. Test results

Almost 45% five-year-olds were found to be at risk of visual impairment or visual defects (Fig.5). For children aged six and seven years, visual defects were found in more than 30% children. This indicates the need to screen children before they start school. So that they can have equal opportunities to develop with other children.

Figure 5. Number of children with detected risk of visual impairment according to age

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