Dr. ZIAUL HAQ YASIR

Dr.Khandekar Rajiv

Abstract

We present the magnitude and determinants of refractive status of Indian school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This cross sectional study was conducted in 2017-18 at Indian school in Riyadh. Among 770 students examined, the prevalence of RE was 50.3%. There were 51.1% boys. The prevalence of RE in preparatory grade was 47.9%. The proportion of myopia and hyperopia among children with RE was 48% and 5% respectively. Family history of RE was positively associated. The existing refractive services provided 47.4% coverage for children with RE. The current screening initiative identify 22 new cases of RE who required visual aids and 38 students who needed a new prescription for RE. The compliance rate for using visual aid was 78.9%. The prevalence of amblyopia and strabismus was 1.2% and 11% respectively. A high proportion of Indian school students in Riyadh have RE. Periodic ocular assessment and refractive services are recommended for this group of school children.