Prevalence of Refractive Error Among Kindergarten Level 3 at Rittiyawannalai Kindergarten School

Abstract

The visual acuity and refractive error screening project was initiated for kindergarten level 3 at Rittiyawannalai Kindergarten School by the Department of Ophthalmology, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Directorate of Medical Services, Royal Thai Air Force. The primary objective of this project was to screen for and identify visual abnormalities among these children. Screening results were provided to parents to ensure that children with abnormal visual findings could receive prompt and appropriate treatment, thereby preventing the development of amblyopia (lazy eye). Furthermore, this proactive medical initiative aims to improve the delivery of early ophthalmic care, allowing children to achieve normal or near-normal visual function. During the 5-year implementation period (2016-2024), a total of 1,584 children were screened. Among these, 141 children were found to have visual abnormalities that warranted further examination by an ophthalmologist. Of those referred, 16 children were diagnosed with specific ocular diseases at the Ophthalmology Clinic, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital. The diagnoses were as follows myopia 4 cases, hyperopia with astigmatism 4 cases, astigmatism 4 cases, hemangioma 1 case, epiblepharon 1 case, exotropia divergence concomitant strabismus 1 case.  Left-eye amblyopia 1 case which was associated with unilateral hyperopia in the left eye and astigmatism in both eyes. The astigmatic error was morepronounced in the left eye.
       This project facilitated timely diagnosis and treatment, contributing to improved visual outcomes and overall quality of life for the affected children.