Appraisal of School Eye Screening Program in Kolar District, Southern India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The school eye screening (SES) program became essential to India’s National Program for the Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment. The program emphasizes screening children in schools to tackle avoidable blindness; however, challenges remain to be addressed. Aims and Objectives: This study appraises the various aspects of the SES program and explores the challenges encountered in the Kolar district of Southern India. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study in which thirty ophthalmic assistants and ophthalmologists who worked in the SES program for the past 3 years were included in the study. Participants were asked to fill out the semi-structured questionnaire, including Likert’s questions, followed by brief interviews on the various aspects of the program. Thematic analysis of the responses was done, and data were represented as percentages and proportions. Results: Out of the 12 ophthalmologists and 18 ophthalmic assistants, 70% believe that technical and operational aspects are appropriate, but there is a delay in issuing spectacles. While 85% consider themselves fully aware of the program’s guidelines, 78% believe that the entire district is not covered. Forty-percent believe schools are unwilling to conduct the program and 58% think training time for teachers is insufficient. 78.5% agree that the program is child-friendly and parents are willing to participate. Eighty-eight percent claim referral to higher centers; however, children do not follow up. Twenty-six percent think that diseases besides refractive error are not appropriately addressed. Conclusion: This study indicates that most believe the current SES program effectively achieves its programmatic goals and objectives. However, gaps and concerns exist with the potential for improvement.