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Umaefulam V, Safi S, Lingham G, Gordon I, Mueller A, Krishnam NS, Alves Carneiro VL, Yu M, Evans JR, Keel S. Approaches for delivery of refractive and optical care services in community and primary care settings. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 5:CD016043. [PMID: 38808577 PMCID: PMC11134311 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd016043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncorrected refractive error is a leading cause of vision impairment which, in most cases, can be managed with the appropriate spectacle correction. In 2021, the World Health Assembly endorsed a global target of a 40-percentage-point increase in effective coverage of refractive error by 2030. To achieve this global target, equitable access to refractive and optical services within community and primary care settings needs to be strengthened. This review will inform the development of technical guidance to support improvements in the testing and correction of refractive error among World Health Organization (WHO) member states. OBJECTIVES To determine the range of approaches for delivery of refractive and optical care services in community and primary care settings, and the methods employed for their evaluation. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health databases, grey literature, and annual reports and websites of relevant organizations involved in eye-care delivery from January 2002 to November 2022 to identify approaches for refractive and optical service delivery. SELECTION CRITERIA We included observational and interventional studies, reviews, and reports from relevant organizations related to delivering refractive services and optical services for preschool and school-aged children and adults in community and primary care settings published between January 2002 and November 2022. We searched for studies and reports published within the last 20 years because vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error has only recently become a public health and eye health priority, therefore we did not expect to find much relevant literature until after 2002. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors screened titles, abstracts and full texts, and extracted data. We resolved any discrepancies through discussion. We synthesized data, and presented results as tables, figures, and case studies. This project was led by the World Health Organization (WHO) Vision and Eye Care Programme. MAIN RESULTS We identified 175 studies from searches of databases and grey literature, 146 records from company reports, and 81 records from website searches of relevant organizations that matched our inclusion criteria. Delivery approaches for refractive and optical services in community care included school-based, pharmacy, and outreach models, whereas primary care approaches comprised vision centre, health centre, and a combination of vision or health centre and door-to-door delivery. In community care, school-based and outreach approaches were predominant, while in primary care, a vision-centre approach was mainly used. In the WHO African region, the school-based and outreach approaches were mainly reported while, in the Americas, the outreach approach was mostly used. Very few approaches for service delivery were reported in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region. Prominent gaps exist in the evaluation of the approaches, and few studies attempted to evaluate the approaches for delivery of refractive and optical care services. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We comprehensively describe a range of approaches for delivery of refractive and optical services in community and primary care. Further evaluation of their effectiveness will better inform the application of these service-delivery approaches. The study outcomes will help guide WHO member states in strengthening refractive and optical services at community and primary care levels. FUNDING This scoping review was supported by the Vision and Eye care Programme, World Health Organization and ATscale Global Partnership. REGISTRATION The protocol of this scoping review was published in the Open Source Framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Umaefulam
- Vision and Eye Care Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sare Safi
- Ophthalmic Epidemiology Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gareth Lingham
- Centre for Eye Research Ireland, Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Iris Gordon
- International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andreas Mueller
- Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Vera L Alves Carneiro
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mitasha Yu
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer R Evans
- International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Stuart Keel
- Vision and Eye Care Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Mutwaly RF, Alrasheed SH, Elmadina AEM, Aldakhil S. Morphology and thickness of corneal endothelial cells in young Sudanese individuals with myopia. J Med Life 2023; 16:1808-1812. [PMID: 38585539 PMCID: PMC10994625 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Deviations in corneal endothelium morphology and thickness may indicate corneal abnormalities and could be associated with myopia development. This study aimed to evaluate corneal endothelial cell morphology and central corneal thickness in young individuals with myopia. A prospective study was conducted at Al-Neelain University Eye Hospital between January 2019 and January 2020, including 160 patients with myopia (320 eyes). Data was gathered through clinical assessment of visual acuity, refractive error, and corneal endothelial cells. Results showed that 60% of participants with myopia were female, with a mean age of 21.99±2.8 years and a mean equivalent sphere of -3.19±2.67D. There was a significant difference in endothelial cell degeneration between myopia groups (P<0.001). Corneal guttata occurred in 9.1% of eyes with low myopia and 68.2% with moderate myopia, whereas polymegathism and polymorphism were more prevalent in high myopia. The mean central corneal thickness was 500.50±38.94 µm in low myopia, 497.02±36.23 µm in moderate myopia, and 477.87±43.625 µm in high myopia (P=0.007). The mean endothelial cell number in low myopia was 107.86±21.12, 106.0±24.03 in moderate myopia, and 101.23±18.49 in high myopia (P<0.05). The mean difference in endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation, and hexagonality in low, moderate, and high myopia was not significant (P>0.05). However, Pearson's correlation revealed a significant negative correlation between the degree of myopia and central corneal thickness (r= -0.174, P=0.002) as well as endothelial cell number (r= -0.124, P=0.026). The study concluded that central corneal thickness and endothelial cell number significantly decreased with an increase in the degree of myopia. Corneal guttata was the most common form of endothelial cell degeneration observed in cases of high myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghda Faisal Mutwaly
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Ophthalmic Medical Photography, Faculty of Optometry and Visual Sciences, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Saif Hassan Alrasheed
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Binocular Vision, Faculty of Optometry and Visual Sciences, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Sulaiman Aldakhil
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Alrasheed SH, Osman TM, Aljohani S, Alshammeri S. Clinical features of Sudanese patients presenting with binocular vision anomalies: A hospital-based study. J Med Life 2023; 16:1251-1257. [PMID: 38024832 PMCID: PMC10652681 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Binocular vision anomalies are major causes of asthenopia symptoms, particularly among the younger population. This study aimed to report the clinical characteristics of Sudanese patients with binocular disorders who attended the orthoptic clinic at Al-Neelain Eye Hospital. In this retrospective hospital-based study, we analyzed data from 304 patients with binocular vision anomalies who visited the orthoptic clinic between October 2020 and June 2021. We collected information on demographics, symptoms, and eye tests such as visual acuity (VA), refractive error (RE), angle of deviation, and the assessment of fusional vergence. Our findings indicated that exophoria was the most common binocular vision anomaly, affecting 79.8% of males and 71.6% of females (p=0.731). Children between 6 and 17 years old showed the highest prevalence of exophoria (75.9%) (p=0.0001). Among patients with exophoria, 100% reported itching associated with tearing during fixation, while 89.5% experienced difficulty in fixation. Refractive error varied by the type of binocular vision disorders (p=0.0001), with higher hyperopia observed in cases of unilateral esotropia and alternate esotropia (+3.571±1.238 D and +3.023±1.553 D, respectively). Positive fusional vergence (PFV) differed by types of binocular vision disorders (p=0.0001) with high PFV in esophoria (18.063±6.848∆) compared to low PFV in exophoria (12.80±5.313∆). The most common types of exophoria were convergence weakness exophoria (45.39%), followed by convergence insufficiency (20.39%). The study concluded that exophoria was the most common binocular vision anomaly among Sudanese patients, with convergence weakness and convergence insufficiency being the predominant anomalies. Headache was commonly prevalent among patients with binocular vision problems. Higher hyperopia was found in esodeviation, while low PFV was associated with exodeviation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Hassan Alrasheed
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Binocular Vision, Faculty of Optometry and Visual Sciences, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Tarteel Mohammed Osman
- Department of Binocular Vision, Faculty of Optometry and Visual Sciences, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Saeed Aljohani
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Alshammeri
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Akowuah PK, Adade S, Nartey A, Owusu E, Donkor R, Ankamah-Lomotey S, Frimpong AA, Adjei-Anang J, Kobia-Acquah E. Strabismus and amblyopia in Africa - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Strabismus 2022; 31:31-44. [PMID: 36576233 DOI: 10.1080/09273972.2022.2157023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this review was to estimate the prevalence of strabismus and amblyopia in Africa. A systematic online literature search was conducted for articles on strabismus and amblyopia in Africa. Meta-analysis was performed, using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation, to estimate the prevalence of strabismus and amblyopia in Africa. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, gender, study year, and type of amblyopia. Meta-regression was used to evaluate the influence of predetermined factors on the prevalence of amblyopia. 8 (1 population-based & 7 school-based) and 21 (3 population-based & 18 school-based) studies on strabismus and amblyopia with sample sizes of 22,355 and 46,841, respectively, were included in the review. Overall prevalence of strabismus in Africa was estimated to be 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4% - 1.4%); exotropia was 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1% - 0.5%) and esotropia was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.1% - 1.2%). Overall prevalence of amblyopia was estimated to be 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3% - 0.9%); refractive and strabismic amblyopia were 1.1% (95% CI: 0.2% - 2.5%) and 0.4% (95% CI: 0.2% - 0.6%), respectively. Prevalence estimate of amblyopia in males was 1.8% (95% CI: 0.7% - 3.3%) and in females was 1.3% (95% CI: 0.4% - 2.6%). There was a significant association between the prevalence of amblyopia and the type of amblyopia (p = .007) and the study year (p = .006). Although there appears to be a relatively low prevalence of strabismus and amblyopia in Africa, there is a dearth of well-designed population-based studies on strabismus and amblyopia in Africa, resulting in the lack of epidemiological information on strabismus and amblyopia within the general African population. Information about the prevalence of strabismus and amblyopia across Africa can inform policy making and design and implementation of public health intervention program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Kwaku Akowuah
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
| | - Samuel Adade
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrews Nartey
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ebenezer Owusu
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Richard Donkor
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen Ankamah-Lomotey
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
| | - Asafo Agyei Frimpong
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
| | - Joseph Adjei-Anang
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
| | - Emmanuel Kobia-Acquah
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.,Centre for Eye Research Ireland, School of Physics, Clinical and Optometric Sciences, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin
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Kobia‐Acquah E, Flitcroft DI, Akowuah PK, Lingham G, Loughman J. Regional variations and temporal trends of childhood myopia prevalence in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2022; 42:1232-1252. [PMID: 35959749 PMCID: PMC9804554 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide contemporary and future estimates of childhood myopia prevalence in Africa. METHODS A systematic online literature search was conducted for articles on childhood (≤18 years) myopia (spherical equivalent [SE] ≤ -0.50D; high myopia: SE ≤ -6.00D) in Africa. Population- or school-based cross-sectional studies published from 1 Jan 2000 to 30 May 2021 were included. Meta-analysis using Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation was performed to estimate the prevalence of childhood myopia and high myopia. Myopia prevalence from subgroup analyses for age groups and settings were used as baseline for generating a prediction model using linear regression. RESULTS Forty-two studies from 19 (of 54) African countries were included in the meta-analysis (N = 737,859). Overall prevalence of childhood myopia and high myopia were 4.7% (95% CI: 3.3%-6.5%) and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2%-1.1%), respectively. Estimated prevalence across the African regions was highest in the North (6.8% [95% CI: 4.0%-10.2%]), followed by Southern (6.3% [95% CI: 3.9%-9.1%]), East (4.7% [95% CI: 3.1%-6.7%]) and West (3.5% [95% CI: 1.9%-6.3%]) Africa. Prevalence from 2011 to 2021 was approximately double that from 2000 to 2010 for all studies combined, and between 1.5 and 2.5 times higher for ages 5-11 and 12-18 years, for boys and girls and for urban and rural settings, separately. Childhood myopia prevalence is projected to increase in urban settings and older children to 11.1% and 10.8% by 2030, 14.4% and 14.1% by 2040 and 17.7% and 17.4% by 2050, respectively; marginally higher than projected in the overall population (16.4% by 2050). CONCLUSIONS Childhood myopia prevalence has approximately doubled since 2010, with a further threefold increase predicted by 2050. Given this trajectory and the specific public health challenges in Africa, it is imperative to implement basic myopia prevention programmes, enhance spectacle coverage and ophthalmic services and generate more data to understand the changing myopia epidemiology to mitigate the expanding risk of the African population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kobia‐Acquah
- Centre for Eye Research Ireland, School of Physics, Clinical and Optometric Sciences, College of Sciences and HealthTechnological University DublinDublinIreland
| | - Daniel Ian Flitcroft
- Centre for Eye Research Ireland, School of Physics, Clinical and Optometric Sciences, College of Sciences and HealthTechnological University DublinDublinIreland
| | | | - Gareth Lingham
- Centre for Eye Research Ireland, School of Physics, Clinical and Optometric Sciences, College of Sciences and HealthTechnological University DublinDublinIreland
| | - James Loughman
- Centre for Eye Research Ireland, School of Physics, Clinical and Optometric Sciences, College of Sciences and HealthTechnological University DublinDublinIreland
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Moafa MA, Alrasheed SH. Status of Childhood Eye Care Services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Eye Care Professionals’ Perspectives. Open Ophthalmol J 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/18743641-v16-e2206200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there are approximately 19 million visually impaired children worldwide, and most of the conditions are treatable by early intervention at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
Objective:
To assess the status of paediatric eye care services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among eye care professionals (optometrists and ophthalmologists) in public sector hospitals in various regions of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through an online self-administered paediatric eye care service questionnaire based on a validated questionnaire.
Results:
A total of 137 completed questionnaires were obtained, with a response rate of 83%. The highest percentage of trained paediatric teams at hospitals was recorded at 95% in the eastern region (p= 0.024), while the lowest percentage was 44% in the southern region. Trained paediatric nurses were available in 88% of the eastern region hospitals, followed by 56% of the central region hospitals (p= 0.001). Services such as separate paediatric optometry clinics, dedicated ophthalmology outpatient clinics, and advanced diagnostic equipment were significantly higher in number in the eastern region than in the other regions (p˂0.001). The general status of human resources of eye professionals reveals that 73% of the facilities had both trained optometrists and ophthalmologists, approximately 70.8% had anaesthesiologists available, and almost 73.7% had easy access to available paediatricians.
Conclusion:
The overall quality of paediatric eye-related health care is satisfactory in most Saudi regions. However, there are some discrepancies among the regions in paediatric eye care services and facility types, which may need to be addressed by decision-makers in the Ministry of Health.
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Elmadina AM, Ali AB, Alrasheed SH, Aldakhil S, Alluwimi M, Derar RA. Demographic Characteristics and Causes of Visual Impairment in the White Nile State of Sudan: A Hospital-based Study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) states that visual impairment (VI) is a reduction of vision functions due to eye diseases, trauma, and congenital eye conditions. Current estimates indicate that more than 90% of people with vision impairment live in rural and developing countries.
AIM: This study aimed to determine demographic characteristics and causes of visual impairment in the White Nile State of Sudan
METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective hospital-based study, including all patients attending Kosti and Rabak eye hospitals from January to December 2017, was conducted. A total of 1000 records were reviewed, 300 of them met the required criteria and then included in this study, with a mean age of 59.8 ± 18.5 (ranging from 10 to 95) years old. Visual impairment was classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision, 2018 (ICD-11).
RESULTS: The prevalence of VI was found at 28.5 %. Based on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), 6 participants (2.0%) were mild VI, 32 (10.7%) had moderate VI, 152 (50.7%) had severe VI, and 110 (36.7%) were blind. VI was associated with patients' age in children (3.6%) and reached (48.3) in older age (P=0.001). VI was more common among males 158 (52.7%) than females but was statistically not significant (P=0.35). The main causes of VI were cataract (52%), refractive errors (20.7%), glaucoma (16.3%), corneal disorders (5.3%), diabetic retinopathy (1.7 %), and other causes (4%).
Conclusion Visual impairment was high in the community and more prevalent among older age. Cataract was the leading cause of VI, then refractive errors and glaucoma. Among children, uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts were the common leading causes of VI. In adults, the main causes were cataracts, uncorrected refractive errors, and glaucoma.
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Systematic review and meta-analysis of myopia prevalence in African school children. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263335. [PMID: 35113922 PMCID: PMC8812871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Increased prevalence of myopia is a major public health challenge worldwide, including in Africa. While previous studies have shown an increasing prevalence in Africa, there is no collective review of evidence on the magnitude of myopia in African school children. Hence, this study reviews the evidence and provides a meta-analysis of the prevalence of myopia in African school children. Methods This review was conducted using the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Five computerized bibliographic databases, PUBMED, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Africa Index Medicus were searched for published studies on the prevalence of myopia in Africa from 1 January 2000 to 18 August 2021. Studies were assessed for methodological quality. Data were gathered by gender, age and refraction technique and standardized to the definition of myopia as refractive error ≥ 0.50 diopter. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence. Significant heterogeneity was detected among the various studies (I2 >50%), hence a random effect model was used, and sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the effects of outliers. Results We included data from 24 quality assessed studies, covering 36,395 African children. The overall crude prevalence of myopia over the last two decades is 4.7% (95% CI, 3.9–5.7) in African children. Although the prevalence of myopia was slightly higher in females (5.3%, 95%CI: 4.1, 6.5) than in males (3.7%, 95% CI, 2.6–4.7; p = 0.297) and higher in older [12–18 years 5.1% (95% CI, 3.8–6.3) than younger children (aged 5–11 years, 3.4%, 95% CI, 2.5–4.4; p = 0.091), the differences were not significant. There was a significantly lower prevalence of myopia with cycloplegic compared with non-cycloplegic refraction [4.2%, 95%CI: 3.3, 5.1 versus 6.4%, 95%CI: 4.4, 8.4; p = 0.046]. Conclusions Our results showed that myopia affects about one in twenty African schoolchildren, and it is overestimated in non-cycloplegic refraction. Clinical interventions to reduce the prevalence of myopia in the region should target females, and school children who are aged 12–18 years.
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Alrasheed SH. A systemic review of barriers to accessing paediatric eye care services in African countries. Afr Health Sci 2021; 21:1887-1897. [PMID: 35283961 PMCID: PMC8889803 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v21i4.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Global estimate reported that 1.4 million children are blind of which three-quarters live in developing countries. Childhood Visual Impairment is a major public health problem globally especially in rural areas of developing countries. Objective To review barriers to accessing paediatric eye care services in African countries. Methods The studies in this review were searched in online databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, ProQuest, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus and Medline) for studies published between January 2000 and April 2020. The articles included in this review, which was conducted in Africa to assess the barriers for accessing paediatric eye care services with regards availability, accessibility, affordability, socio cultural barriers of parents/caregivers and community. Results Of 22 705 articles screened, the study found 29 publications from 10 African countries which met the inclusion criteria. The main barriers were non-availability, non-accessibility, and non-affordability of paediatric eye care services. The studies reviewed revealed that there are other factors affecting the utilization of paediatric eye services which include the primary health system, geographic barriers, health beliefs, perception of parents; lack of knowledge, attitudes and practices about paediatric eye care. Furthermore, environmental, demographic barriers and socio-economic status has negative impact on accessing paediatric eye care services in African counties. Conclusion The main barriers to accessing paediatric eye care services in Africa were affordability, accessibility and availability. There is therefore a need for all relevant stakeholders to play a significant role in addressing barriers to child eye care in African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Hassan Alrasheed
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Optometry and Visual Sciences, Department of Binocular vision Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
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Tshivhase SE, Mashau NS, Mathebula D. Prevalence and risk factors of myopia amongst Grade 8 learners in the Vhembe district, South Africa. AFRICAN VISION AND EYE HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.4102/aveh.v80i1.640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Alrasheed SH, Yousif AM, Moafa MA, Mohamed Elmadina AE, Alobaid M. Sensitivity and Specificity of Sheard and Percival’s Criteria for the Diagnosis of Young People with Near-heterophoria. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sheard and Percival assumed that symptoms from latent strabismus can be avoided if the relevant fusional vergence is adequate to support the heterophoria.
AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of Sheard’s and Percival’s criterion for the diagnosis of heterophoria.
METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was performed at Al-Neelain Eye Hospital Khartoum, Sudan from February to October 2019. Heterophoria was measured using Maddox Wing and fusional vergence using a prism bar. Thereafter, Sheard’s and Percival’s criteria were used for the diagnosis of heterophoria.
RESULTS: A total of 230 participants (age = 15–30 years; mean age = 19.34 ± 3.325 years) were recruited for this study. The Sheard’s criteria showed a high sensitivity of 87.2% and a low specificity of 8.0% for the diagnosing of exophoria, with positive and negative predictive values of 65.5% and 26%, respectively. The criteria showed a relatively low sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 9.0% in the diagnosis of esophoria, with a positive and negative predictive values of 56% and 20%, respectively. Percival criteria showed high sensitivity 84.2% and low specificity 9.1% in diagnosing esophoria, with a positive and negative predictive value of 61.5% and 25%, respectively. On the other hand, the criteria showed low sensitivity 67.4% and specificity 13.8% in diagnosing exophoria, with positive and negative predictive value 61.9% and 17%, respectively.
CONCLUSION: Sheard’s and Percival’s criteria are useful in diagnosing binocular vision problems. Sheard’s criteria are accurate in diagnosing near exophoria and Percival’s criteria are more accurate in diagnosing near esophoria. Therefore, these criteria provide good clues and predictions for the diagnosis of binocular vision problems.
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Moafa MA, Alghamdi W, Alluwimi M, Aldakhil S, Abuallut I, Alghamdi M, Alrasheed S. Evaluation of Visual Function Requirements for Public Jobs in Saudi Arabia. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Certain occupations and career paths require potential candidates who meet certain visual standards that allow them to apply or hold realistic possibilities for career advancement.
AIM: This study aims to assess the visual function requirements for public jobs in Saudi Arabia and compare them with international standards.
METHODS: Interview with eye care specialists in the fields of optometry and ophthalmology was conducted. This interview was consisted of seven pre-approved questions on current vision health requirements for eyesight-dependent careers.
RESULTS: Interview responses revealed the existence of several visual requirements which were visual acuity, color vision, and visual field. These requirements are essential for various government jobs and functions, with examinations of applicants being necessary for acceptance of a vacancy or subsequent career progression.
CONCLUSION: Many government positions of employment require predefined level visual standards which are not widely known. Defining what these standards are and making them publicly accessible will aid both future candidates in better planning their employment options and specialists in providing the required standards on request.
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Shandiz JH, Riazi A, Khorasani AA, Yazdani N, Torab Mostaedi M, Zohourian B. Impact of Vision Therapy on Eye-hand Coordination Skills in Students with Visual Impairment. J Ophthalmic Vis Res 2018; 13:301-306. [PMID: 30090187 PMCID: PMC6058561 DOI: 10.4103/jovr.jovr_103_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the enhancing effects of vision therapy on eye–hand coordination skills in students with visual impairments. Methods: Thirty-five visually impaired patients who underwent vision therapy comprised the treatment group, and 35 patients with impaired vision who received no treatment comprised the control group. Full ophthalmic examinations were performed, including biomicroscopy, retinoscopy, and assessments of subjective refraction and visual acuity. Eye–hand coordination was evaluated using the Frostig test. Vision therapy in the treatment group was performed using the Bernell–Marsden ball, perceptual-motor pen, random blink test, and random shape assessment. Results: Data were analyzed for the 35 visually impaired patients and 35 control participants. The mean age was 11.51 ± 3.5 and 11.09 ± 3.1 years in the treatment and control groups, respectively. Female participants comprised 80% of the treatment group and 57% of the control group. Before treatment, the mean scores on the Frostig test were 22.74 ± 4.32 and 21.60 ± 4.10 in the treatment and control groups, respectively, and after treatment, the mean Frostig test scores were 24.69 ± 3.99 and 21.89 ± 3.92, respectively. Statistically significant intergroup differences were found in eye–hand coordination (P < 0.05). No significant intergroup differences were noted in the distance and near visual acuity values. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that vision therapy could significantly improve eye–hand coordination, but no enhancement was found in near or distance visual acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Heravian Shandiz
- Refractive Errors Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abbas Riazi
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Azimi Khorasani
- Refractive Errors Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negareh Yazdani
- Refractive Errors Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Torab Mostaedi
- Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Behrooz Zohourian
- Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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