Purpose: To assess the need for spectacles and low-vision aids (LVA) in students attending schools for the blind and study their compliance with use.
Methods: Comprehensive ocular evaluation was performed using a hand-held slit lamp and ophthalmoscope. Vision acuity was measured using a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) chart for distance, as well as for near. Spectacles and LVAs were dispensed after refraction and LVA trial. Follow-up was performed to assess the vision using the LV Prasad Functional Vision Questionnaire (LVP-FVQ) along with compliance with use after 6 months.
Results: Of the 456 students examined from six schools, 188 (41.2%) were female; 147 (32.2%) were <10 years of age. In all, 362 (79.4%) were blind since birth. The students dispensed only LVAs were 25 (5.5%), only spectacles were 55 (12.1%), and both spectacle and LVAs were 10 (2.2%). The vision improved using LVAs in 26 (5.7%) and using spectacles in 64 (9.6%). There was a significant improvement in LVP-FVQ scores (P < 0.001). Also, 68/90 students were available for follow-up, of whom 43 (63.2%) were compliant to use. Causes of not wearing spectacles or LVA in 25 were left somewhere or lost 13 (52%), broken 3 (12%), uncomfortable to use 6 (24%), not interested to use 2 (8%), and got operated 1 (4%).
Conclusion: Although the dispensing of LVA and spectacles improved the visual acuity and vision function of 90/456 (19.7%) students, nearly a third were not using them after 6 months. Efforts need to be taken to improve the compliance of use.
Keywords: Childhood blindness; congenital anomalies; low vision aids; schools for the blind.