Ms.SHEELA DEVI SETHU

Dr. ELESH JAIN, Dr.Rishi Raj Borah

Abstract

Purpose: To report on compliance with glasses and its determinants among children in a large spectacle distribution program in India.

Methods: Refractive error was assessed in children at 2145 schools in 5 Indian states. At an unannounced visit 3 months after spectacle issue, children were interviewed about factors affecting their spectacle wear.

Results: Among 31991 children receiving spectacles 29667 (92.7%) attended compliance visits. Among 19679 (66.33%) children wearing spectacles (56.42% girls, mean age 12.66 years), 72% were first-time spectacle wearers, and in the better eye 22.98% had myopia and 56.45% astigmatism. In multiple regression analysis, older children, government school and rural dwellers were more compliant with spectacles (P<0.001 for all). Conclusion: Compliance with free glasses is encouragingly good in this large program, with many first-time wearers, though strategies are needed to further improve uptake among, younger children and urban dwellers.

Full Text