The National Eye Health Program (PNSO institution of the MSP/PAS) in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank has initiated the implementation, in a pilot phase, of several integrated interventions for screening and correction of refractive errors in schools; including, among other things, training series, screenings, corrections and the free supply of glasses accompanied by communication for a social change in behavior.
This initiative aims to improve the management of visual impairments linked to refractive error in the school environment.
Strengthen the coordination of interventions in the field of eye health in schools in the communal district of Niamey I. Improve screening for visual impairments in schools in the targeted commune by the end of the project. Improve students’ accessibility to eye health care. Provide care for visual impairments in schools. Reinforce the degree/level of adherence of pupils and parents to the wearing of corrective lenses and to the principles of their maintenance, still in the communal district of Niamey I.
In total, teachers screened 54,579 (for a forecast of 50,000) and selected 7,514 students. The TSO teams revisited the 7,514 students to finally retain 3,037.
Finally came the work of ophthalmologists and optometrists. The latter examined the 3037 students, and retained 2459 for the granting of glasses. The technicians also selected 503 pathologies to be treated (32 cataracts, 457 LCET and 14 congenital ptosis), and 75 other pathologies (48 amblyopia, 7 optic atrophy and 20 chorioretinitis).
In light of the implementation of this activity, the results below were obtained: screening in 54,579 children for a forecast of 50,000.
7514 children have a decrease in visual acuity to less than 7/10 (13.76%.
3037 students were selected for verification and among them 2459 selected for the granting of glasses (4.50%);
503 presented with various pathologies for which they were referred to ophthalmological services for treatment (0.92%).
Among other things, it was recommended to: Choose the right period for carrying out refraction activities in schools. Make a good location of schools. Ensure the timely acquisition of all equipment necessary for the implementation of the project. Extend screening to schools in other regions. Parents to ensure ophthalmological follow-up of children already screened.
H. Dansounsou et Himadou A PNSO/MSP
