Visual Impairment from Uncorrected Refractive Error among Participants in a Novel Program to Improve Eye Care Access among Low-Income Adults in Michigan.

PURPOSE: To assess the rate of visual impairment (VI) from uncorrected refractive error (URE) and associations with demographic and socioeconomic factors among low-income patients presenting to the Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health through Telemedicine (MI-SIGHT) program. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Adults ≥ 18 years without acute ocular symptoms. METHODS: MI-SIGHT program participants received a telemedicine-based eye disease screening and ordered glasses through an online optical store. Participants were categorized based on refractive error (RE) status: VI from URE (presenting visual acuity [PVA], ≤ 20/50; best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA], ≥ 20/40), URE without VI (PVA, ≥ 20/40; ≥ 2-line improvement to BCVA), and no or adequately corrected RE (PVA, ≥ 20/40; < 2-line improvement to BCVA). Patient demographics, self-reported visual function, and satisfaction with glasses obtained through the program were compared among groups using analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, and Fisher exact testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PVA, BCVA, and presence of VI (defined as PVA ≤ 20/50). RESULTS: Of 1171 participants enrolled in the MI-SIGHT program during the first year, average age was 55.1 years (SD = 14.5), 37.7% were male, 54.1% identified as Black, and 1166 (99.6%) had both PVA and BCVA measured. VI was observed in 120 participants (10.3%); 96 had VI from URE (8.2%), 168 participants (14.4%) had URE without VI, and 878 (75.3%) had no or adequately corrected RE. A smaller percentage of participants with VI resulting from URE reported having a college degree, and a larger percentage reported income < $10 000 compared with participants with no or adequately corrected RE (3.2% vs. 14.2% [P = 0.02]; 45.5% vs. 21.6% [P < 0.0001], respectively). Visual function was lowest among participants with VI from URE, followed by those with URE without VI, and then those with no or adequately corrected RE (9-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire composite score, 67.3 ± 19.6 vs. 77.0 ± 14.4 vs. 82.2 ± 13.3, respectively; P < 0.0001). In total, 71.2% (n = 830) ordered glasses for an average cost of $36.80 ± $32.60; 97.7% were satisfied with their glasses. CONCLUSIONS: URE was the main cause of VI at 2 clinics serving low-income communities and was associated with reduced vision-related quality of life. An online optical store with lower prices made eyeglasses accessible to low-income patients. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Association of Sociodemographic Characteristics with Pediatric Vision Screening and Eye Care: An Analysis of the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health.

PURPOSE: Vision screening and regular eye care can help detect and treat potentially irreversible vision impairment. This study aims to investigate the associations between sociodemographic and health characteristics and the receipt of eye care among children aged 17 years and younger in the United States. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study used data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), a nationally representative and population-based survey of randomly sampled households. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were children aged 0 to 17 years, residing in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, whose caregivers or parents answered an address-based survey by mail or online. METHODS: Weighted prevalence calculations were applied to analyze the data, and logistic regression was performed to explore associations between reported eye care and demographic, health, and parent-related variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Caregiver-reported vision screenings, referral to an eye doctor after vision screening, eye doctor visits, and prescription of corrective lenses. RESULTS: Caregivers reported that 53.2% of children had a vision screening at least once (if child ≤ 5 years) or within the past 2 years (if child > 5 years). Of those screened, 26.9% were referred to an eye doctor. Overall, 38.6% of all children had a previous eye doctor visit, and among them, 55.4% were prescribed corrective lenses during the visit. Factors associated with decreased odds of vision screening included younger age, lack of health care visits, no insurance coverage, parent education high school or less, and lower household income. Non-White ethnicities, households with a non-English primary language, and lower incomes were more likely to be referred to an eye doctor after vision screening. Lower rates of eye doctor visits were associated with younger age, lack of insurance coverage, and primary household languages other than English. CONCLUSIONS: Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to receive vision screening and eye care. Targeted strategies are needed to increase vision screening and access to eye care services in these vulnerable groups. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation formulae for the Yamane technique of secondary fixation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the refractive outcomes of the Yamane technique for intrascleral fixation of intraocular lenses (SF-IOL) and compare the predictive ability of the various intraocular lens power calculation formulae commonly used in conjunction with the technique. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published from January 2014 to May 2023. Studies that met the predetermined inclusion criteria were included and subjected to analysis. The primary outcome evaluated was the refractive predictive error, defined as the difference between predicted refraction and post-operative manifest refraction. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, with a cumulative sample size of 615 patients (mean age: 66.6 years). Various IOL formulae were used, with SRK/T being the most frequently adopted formula. The overall mean refractive predictive error for all formulae combined was -0.02 D, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.99). Subgroup analysis for individual formulae also showed no significant difference from predicted error for any formula (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Yamane technique for SF-IOL shows promising refractive outcomes, and the choice of IOL power calculation formula should be tailored based on patient characteristics and surgeon preference. No formula demonstrated superior predictive ability over others. Further research is needed to develop formulae specifically for eyes with secondary aphakia and poor capsular support.

Prevalence and characteristics of amblyopia, strabismus, and refractive errors among patients aged 3-16 years in Shanghai, China: a hospital-based population study.

BACKGROUND: Functional visual impairments in children are primarily caused by amblyopia or strabismus. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical profile of amblyopia and strabismus among individuals aged 3-16 years in Shanghai, China. METHODS: From February 2023 to February 2024, this hospital-based, cross-sectional study included data of children who visited the Ophthalmology Department of Shanghai General Hospital. Comprehensive ocular examinations included visual acuity measurement after cycloplegic refraction, slit lamp examination, cover test, and dilated fundus examination. Descriptive statistics were performed to estimate the proportion and clinical characteristics of amblyopia and strabismus. RESULTS: A total of 920 children were enrolled in our study. Among them, 223 (24.24%) children were identified as amblyopia. Unilateral amblyopia occupied 57.85%, and bilateral amblyopia occupied 42.15%. Most participants were within the age range of 5-10 years (75.97% for unilateral amblyopia, and 70.21% for bilateral amblyopia). Anisometropia was the primary cause of unilateral amblyopia (68.99%). Most amblyopic children have high hyperopia (38.76% for unilateral amblyopia, and 39.89% for bilateral amblyopia). 30 (3.26%) children were diagnosed with strabismus, and 19 (63.3%) of them were aged 5-10 years. Seven of the children had both strabismus and amblyopia. CONCLUSION: The proportion of patients with amblyopia and strabismus was determined as 24.24% and 3.26% in our study. Anisometropia was the leading cause of unilateral amblyopia, whereas high hyperopia was a crucial refractive error in the amblyopic population. These findings shed light on further longitudinal studies targeting the age-related changes in amblyopia, strabismus and refraction errors. Therefore, efforts should be made to manage uncorrected refractive errors, amblyopia, and strabismus among children in Shanghai.

The effect of cycloplegia in the accuracy of autorefraction, keratometry and axial length using the Myopia Master.

BACKGROUND: Assessing refractive errors under cycloplegia is recommended for paediatric patients; however, this may not always be feasible. In these situations, refraction has to rely on measurements made under active accommodation which may increase measurements variability and error. Therefore, evaluating the accuracy and precision of non-cycloplegic refraction and biometric measurements is clinically relevant. The Myopia Master, a novel instrument combining autorefraction and biometry, is designed for monitoring refractive error and ocular biometry in myopia management. This study assessed its repeatability and agreement for autorefraction and biometric measurements pre- and post-cycloplegia. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study evaluated a cohort of 96 paediatric patients that underwent ophthalmologic examination. An optometrist performed two repeated measurements of autorefraction and biometry pre- and post-cycloplegia. Test-retest repeatability (TRT) was assessed as differences between consecutive measurements and agreement as differences between post- and pre-cycloplegia measurements, for spherical equivalent (SE), refractive and keratometric J0/J45 astigmatic components, mean keratometry (Km) and axial length (AL). RESULTS: Cycloplegia significantly improved the SE repeatability (TRT, pre-cyclo: 0.65 D, post-cyclo: 0.31 D). SE measurements were more repeatable in myopes and emmetropes compared to hyperopes. Keratometry (Km) repeatability did not change with cycloplegia (TRT, pre-cyclo: 0.25 D, post-cyclo:0.27 D) and AL repeatability improved marginally (TRT, pre-cyclo: 0.14 mm, post-cyclo: 0.09 mm). Regarding pre- and post-cycloplegia agreement, SE became more positive by + 0.79 D, varying with refractive error. Myopic eyes showed a mean difference of + 0.31 D, while hyperopes differed by + 1.57 D. Mean keratometry, refractive and keratometric J0/J45 and AL showed no clinically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive error measurements, using the Myopia Master were 2.5x less precise pre-cycloplegia than post-cycloplegia. Accuracy of pre-cycloplegic refractive error measurements was often larger than the clinically significant threshold (0.25 D) and was refractive error dependent. The higher precision compared to autorefraction measurements, pre- and post-cycloplegia agreement and refractive error independence of AL measurements emphasize the superiority of AL in refractive error monitoring.

Long-term visual outcomes in spasmus nutans.

BACKGROUND: The long-term visual outcomes in spasmus nutans patients is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize visual outcomes and identify comorbid ophthalmic conditions in patients with spasmus nutans. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of consecutive patients diagnosed with spasmus nutans between 2000 and 2020. Demographic information, ophthalmic characteristics, and neuroimaging results were assessed over time. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients included in the study, 13 (41%) were female. Underlying medical conditions included a diagnosis of Trisomy 21 in 6 (19%) and prematurity in 8 (25%). Twenty-one patients (66%) self-reported as a race other than Caucasian. 18 patients (56%) had non-private health insurance and 1 (3%) was uninsured. Mean age at diagnosis and resolution were 16 months (range 45 months) and 48 months (range 114 months), respectively. All 32 patients had nystagmus, 31 (97%) had head nodding and 16 (50%) had ocular torticollis. Mean follow-up was 66 months (range 185 months). On initial presentation, 6/32 (19%) had an amblyogenic refractive error and mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the better-seeing eye was 0.78 Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMAR) (range 1.24). In a sub-analysis that included patients with > 1 exam (n = 23), 17/20 (85%) had an amblyogenic refractive error and mean BCVA in the better-seeing eye was 0.48 LogMAR (range 1.70). At the final exam, 12 patients had measurable stereopsis, eight had strabismus, and three had undergone strabismus surgery. Eight patients required treatment for amblyopia. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of amblyogenic refractive error, strabismus and amblyopia among patients with spasmus nutans. Children with spasmus nutans benefit from ongoing ophthalmic follow-up until they are past the amblyopic age range, even after resolution of nystagmus.

Evaluation of objective and subjective binocular ocular refraction with looking in type.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the results of the Chronos binocular/monocular refraction system, that measures objective and subjective ocular refraction in one unit, to objective findings obtained from a conventional autorefractometer and a conventional subjective ocular refraction using a trial-frame in real space. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy volunteers (21.2 ± 1.5 years old) were included in this study. Objective ocular refraction was measured using two tests: the Chronos binocular/monocular refraction system under binocular conditions and a conventional autorefractometer under monocular conditions. Subjective ocular refraction was measured using three tests: Chronos binocular/monocular refraction system under binocular, monocular conditions, and trial-frame in the real space under monocular conditions. The measurement distance was set to 5.0 m for each test. All ocular refractions were converted into spherical equivalents (SEs). RESULTS: The objective SE was significantly more negative with Chronos binocular/monocular refraction system under binocular condition (- 4.08 ± 2.76 D) than with the conventional autorefractometer under monocular condition (- 3.85 ± 2.66 D) (P = 0.002). Although, the subjective SE was significantly more negative with Chronos binocular/monocular refraction system under binocular condition (- 3.55 ± 2.67 D) than with the trial-frame in the real space under monocular condition (- 3.33 ± 2.75 D) (P = 0.002), Chronos binocular/monocular refraction system under monocular condition (- 3.17 ± 2.57 D) was not significantly different from that in trial-frame in real space under monocular condition (P = 0.33). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the Chronos binocular/monocular refraction system, which can complete both objective and subjective ocular refraction tests in a single unit, is suitable for screening ocular refraction, although it produces slightly more myopic results. Furthermore, subjective ocular refraction testing accuracy in Chronos binocular/monocular refraction system can be equivalent to trial-frame in real-space testing by switching from binocular to monocular condition.

Comparison of photorefraction by Plusoptix A12 and cycloplegic autorefraction in children.

BACKGROUND: Plusoptix photoscreeners are capable of measuring refractive errors of children from 1 meter distance, without cyloplegia. We aimed to compare refractive data obtained from the newest version of Plusoptix (model 12) with cycloplegic autorefraction. METHODS: We examined 111 consecutive children aged 3-7 years first by Plusoptix A12C under manifest condition and subsequently for cycloplegic refraction by Topcon KR-1 tabletop autorefractometer. Sphere, spherical equivalent, cylinder and axis of astigmatism measured by the two methods were analyzed to determine correlation, agreement and differences. RESULTS: Binocular examination of 111 children aged 4.86±1.27 years revealed good agreement between refractive data obtained by Plusoptix and cycloautorefraction, according to Bland-Altman plots. Significant (p < 0.001) and strong correlation was found between all refractive measurements (Pearson's r value of 0.707 for sphere, 0.756 for pherical equivalent, and 0.863 for cylinder). Plusoptix mean sphere, spherical equivalent and cylinder were 1.22, 0.56, and -1.32 D, respectively. Corresponding values for cycloautorefraction were 1.63, 1.00, and -1.26 D. The difference between axis of cylinder measured by the two methods was < 10° in 144 eyes (64.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the significant agreement and correlation between Plusoptix photoscreener and cycloplegic autorefraction, the need for cycloplegic drops in refractive examination of children may be obviated. The mean difference between cylinder measurements are considerably trivial (0.06 D), but sphere is approximately 0.4 D underestimated by Plusoptix compared to cycloautorefraction, on average.

Femtosecond thin-flap laser assisted in situ keratomileusis for correction of post-penetrating keratoplasty ametropia: long-term outcome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of femtosecond thin-flap LASIK (femto-LASIK) for correction of refractive error after penetrating keratoplasty in keratoconus-affected eyes. SETTING: a private ophthalmology clinic. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: This prospective interventional case series enrolled 22 eyes of 22 patients who underwent femto-LASIK for the management of post-penetrating keratoplasty ametropia. The refractive error, uncorrected (UDVA), and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities and vector analysis were reported in short-term and long-term period after surgery. RESULTS: The mean age was 32.7 ± 7.5 years (range, 23 to 47 years) at the surgery time. The average time between PK and femto-LASIK was 42.5 ± 31.7 months. The average follow-up duration after femto-LASIK was 81.2 ± 18.6 months. The mean preoperative UDVA significantly improved from 0.47 ± 0.15 logMAR to 0.35 ± 0.14 logMAR at 12 months (P = 0.048) and 0.4 ± 0.17 at final follow-up exam (P = 0.007). CDVA was 0.22 ± 0.1 at baseline which improved to 0.18 ± 0.15 and 0.15 ± 0.1 logMAR at 12 and 81 months, respectively. (Ps = 0.027, 0.014). The mean cylinder before surgery was - 5.04 ± 1.4D which significantly decreased to -1.5 ± 0.8 D at 12 months postoperatively. (P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in refractive astigmatism from 12 months to 81 months postoperatively (-3.1 ± 2.0, P = 0.002). At the final visit, the efficacy index was 0.83, and the safety index was 1.16. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the short-term outcome indicated that femo-LASIK was effective for correction of post-keratoplasty ametropia during short-term period, a notable regression in its effect was observed in the long-term follow-up. Therefore, the predictability of this technique might decrease in the long-term.

Situation analysis on the integration of refractive error services provided by optometrists into the national health services in Kenya.

INTRODUCTION: Even though the burden of uncorrected refractive error could potentially be addressed through innovative and cost-effective approaches, integration of the services into the National Health Services (NHS) is desirable. However, minimal information exists on the current situation warranting the need for evidence about the integration of refractive error service provided by optometrists into the national health services in Kenya. METHODS: A situation analysis of the Kenyan refractive error services provided by optometrists within the NHS was undertaken based on access to service delivery, service coverage, and human resource. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis was undertaken based on the existent evidence to identify the core factors that could potentially facilitate or hinder the integration of refractive error services provided by optometrists within the National Health Services. The proportion of optometrists to be integrated in the NHS was estimated based on the minimum ratios recommended by the World Health Organization. RESULTS: A section of tertiary and secondary healthcare facilities in Kenya have specific services to address refractive errors within the NHS with most facilities lacking such services. Treatment of refractive error occurs at the level of eye care general services. There are 11,547 health facilities offering primary care services in Kenya. However, none of them offers refractive error services and only a section of facilities offering county health referral services provides eye care services which is limited to refraction without provision of spectacles. The existing workforce comprises of ophthalmologists, optometrists and ophthalmic clinical officers, together with nurses and other general paramedical assistants. Optometrists, ophthalmologists and ophthalmic clinical officers are allowed to undertake refraction. However, optometrists majorly practices in the private sector. Centralization of eye care services in urban areas, weak referral systems, and a shortage in the workforce per population was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The Kenyan NHS should advocate for primary care and reorient the current hospital-based delivery approach for refractive error services. This is attributed to the fact that provision of refractive error services at primary care remains effective and efficient and could translate to early detection of other ocular conditions. The existing human resources in the eye health ecosystem in Kenya should maximize their efforts towards addressing uncorrected refractive error and optometrists should be integrated into the NHS.

Strategies to address inequity of uncorrected refractive error in the Western Pacific: A modified Delphi process.

PURPOSE: Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of vision impairment globally; however, little attention has been given to equity and access to services. This study aimed to identify and prioritise: (1) strategies to address inequity of access to refractive error services and (2) population groups to target with these strategies in five sub-regions within the Western Pacific. METHODS: We invited eye care professionals to complete a two-round online prioritisation process. In round 1, panellists nominated population groups least able to access refractive error services, and strategies to improve access. Responses were summarised and presented in round 2, where panellists ranked the groups (by extent of difficulty and size) and strategies (in terms of reach, acceptability, sustainability, feasibility and equity). Groups and strategies were scored according to their rank within each sub-region. RESULTS: Seventy five people from 17 countries completed both rounds (55% women). Regional differences were evident. Indigenous peoples were a priority group for improving access in Australasia and Southeast Asia, while East Asia identified refugees and Oceania identified rural/remote people. Across the five sub-regions, reducing out-of-pocket costs was a commonly prioritised strategy for refraction and spectacles. Australasia prioritised improving cultural safety, East Asia prioritised strengthening school eye health programmes and Oceania and Southeast Asia prioritised outreach to rural areas. CONCLUSION: These results provide policy-makers, researchers and funders with a starting point for context-specific actions to improve access to refractive error services, particularly among underserved population groups who may be left behind in existing private sector-dominated models of care.

Incidence of myopia in Swedish schoolchildren: A longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of myopia in Scandinavia tends to be lower than in other parts of the world. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of myopia and its predictors in Swedish children to characterise this trend. METHODS: A 2-year longitudinal study was conducted following a cohort of schoolchildren aged 8-16 years. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤ -0.50 D. The study enrolled 128 participants, 70 (55%) females with a mean age of 12.0 years (SD = 2.4). RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of myopia during the follow-up period was 5.5%, and the incidence rate of myopia was 3.2 cases per 100 person-years. Participants with myopia at baseline exhibited a faster increase in refractive error during the follow-up period. Likewise, participants with two myopic parents exhibited a more marked change towards myopia, regardless of their initial refractive error. CONCLUSION: In the current study, similar to prevalence, the incidence of myopia was low when compared with other parts of the world. These results lead us to formulate a new hypothesis that the normal emmetropisation process may be protected by low educational pressure practised in Sweden during early childhood. Further research is necessary to test this new hypothesis.

Sources of reduced visual acuity and spectacle treatment options for individuals with Down syndrome: Review of current literature.

Individuals with Down syndrome are known to have a greater prevalence of ocular conditions such as strabismus, nystagmus, elevated refractive error, poor accommodative function, elevated higher-order optical aberrations and corneal abnormalities. Related to these conditions, individuals with Down syndrome commonly have reduced best-corrected visual acuity at both far and near viewing distances across their lifespan. This review summarises the various optical sources of visual acuity reduction in this population and describes clinical trials that have evaluated alternative spectacle prescribing strategies to minimise these optical deficits. Although refractive corrections may still have limitations in their ability to normalise visual acuity for individuals with Down syndrome, the current literature provides evidence for eye care practitioners to consider in their prescribing practices for this population to maximise visual acuity. These considerations include accounting for the presence of elevated higher-order aberrations when determining refractive corrections and considering bifocal lens prescriptions, even for young children with Down syndrome.

The influence of variations in ocular biometric and optical parameters on differences in refractive error.

PURPOSE: To present a paraxial method to estimate the influence of variations in ocular biometry on changes in refractive error (S) at a population level and apply this method to literature data. METHODS: Error propagation was applied to two methods of eye modelling, referred to as the simple method and the matrix method. The simple method defines S as the difference between the axial power and the whole-eye power, while the matrix method uses more accurate ray transfer matrices. These methods were applied to literature data, containing the mean ocular biometry data from the SyntEyes model, as well as populations of premature infants with or without retinopathy, full-term infants, school children and healthy and diabetic adults. RESULTS: Applying these equations to 1000 SyntEyes showed that changes in axial length provided the most important contribution to the variations in refractive error (57%-64%), followed by lens power/gradient index power (16%-31%) and the anterior corneal radius of curvature (10%-13%). All other components of the eye contributed <4%. For young children, the largest contributions were made by variations in axial length, lens and corneal power for the simple method (67%, 23% and 8%, respectively) and by variations in axial length, gradient lens power and anterior corneal curvature for the matrix method (55%, 21% and 14%, respectively). During myopisation, the influence of variations in axial length increased from 54.5% to 73.4%, while changes in corneal power decreased from 9.82% to 6.32%. Similarly, for the other data sets, the largest contribution was related to axial length. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis confirms that the changes in ocular refraction were mostly associated with variations in axial length, lens and corneal power. The relative contributions of the latter two varied, depending on the particular population.

Detection of significant vision conditions in children using QuickSee wavefront autorefractor.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the ability of QuickSee to detect children at risk for significant vision conditions (significant refractive error [RE], amblyopia and strabismus). METHODS: Non-cycloplegic refraction (using QuickSee without and with +2 dioptre (D) fogging lenses) and unaided binocular near visual acuity (VA) were measured in 4- to 12-year-old children. Eye examination findings (VA, cover testing and cycloplegic retinoscopy) were used to determine the presence of vision conditions. QuickSee performance was summarised by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity for various levels of RE. QuickSee referral criteria for each vision condition were chosen to maximise sensitivity at a specificity of approximately 85%-90%. Sensitivity and specificity to detect vision conditions were calculated using multiple criteria. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the benefit of adding near VA (6/12 or worse) for detecting hyperopia. A paired t-test compared QuickSee without and with fogging lenses. RESULTS: The mean age was 8.2 (±2.5) years (n = 174). RE ranged up to 9.25 D myopia, 8 D hyperopia, 5.25 D astigmatism and 3.5 D anisometropia. The testability of the QuickSee was 94.3%. AUC was ≥0.92 (excellent) for each level of RE. For the detection of any RE, sensitivity and specificity were 84.2% and 87.3%, respectively, using modified Orinda criteria and 94.5% and 78.2%, respectively, using the American Academy for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) guidelines. For the detection of any significant vision condition, the sensitivity and specificity of QuickSee were 81.1% and 87.9%, respectively, using modified Orinda criteria and 93% and 78.6%, respectively, using AAPOS criteria. There was no significant benefit of adding near VA to QuickSee for the detection of hyperopia ≥+2.00 (p = 0.34). There was no significant difference between QuickSee measurements of hyperopic refractive error with and without fogging lenses (difference = -0.09 D; p = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: QuickSee had high discriminatory power for detecting children with hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, anisometropia, any significant refractive error or any significant vision condition.

Characteristics of refractive development in children aged 4 months to 8 years in urban China: A retrospective screening analysis.

PURPOSE: To conduct a large retrospective study of screening refractive error in young children. METHODS: This retrospective study included children aged from 4 months to 8 years in Daxing District, Beijing, who underwent refractive examinations without cycloplegia. It included a cross-sectional assessment of refractive error screening for all children, and a longitudinal component for a subgroup with data available for two to five visits. RESULTS: A total of 14,987 children were included in the cross-sectional study. In the group <1 year of age, the percentage of children with a spherical equivalent (SE) >+2.00 D or with cylinder <-1.50 D was 15.25% and 33.24%, respectively. These were significantly higher than for the 1- to 4-year-old group (SE 8.1% higher, cylinder 13.2% higher) (χ2 = 53.57, p < 0.001; χ2 = 790.39, p < 0.001). Furthermore, 34.83% of children in the 0-year-old group had amblyopia risk factors (ARFs). In the 4-year-old group, boys had a significantly longer axial length (AL) than girls (differences in the right and left eyes were 0.53 and 0.56 mm, respectively; z = 5.48 p < 0.001, z = 5.80, p < 0.001). AL increased with age, while the AL difference between boys and girls remained stable at 4-8 years of age. The percentage of children aged 5-8 years with myopia in 2020-2021 was significantly higher than that in 2018-2019 (H = 12.44, p = 0.006). In the longitudinal study of 4406 children (up to 12-month follow-up), annual changes in SE were -0.27, -0.06, 0.19 and 0.13 D between 0 and 3 years, and -0.38, -0.58, -0.70 and -0.75 D between 5 and 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Children's refractive error varied significantly from ages 4 months to 1 year, with a high proportion having ARFs. Children aged 5-8 years showed a trend towards myopia. The prevalence of myopia in the cross-sectional analysis in 2020-2021 was greater than in 2018-2019. Screening refraction changed minimally over a 12-month period for children aged 1-3 years, but became more myopic for children aged 5-8 years.

Impact of blur on clinical and occupational colour vision test results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether colour vision normal (CVN) adults pass two Fletcher-Evans (CAM) lantern tests and to investigate the impact of imposed blur on Ishihara, CAM lantern and computerised colour discrimination test (colour assessment and diagnosis test [CAD] and Cambridge colour test [CCT]) results. METHODS: In a pilot experiment, 20 (16 CVN and 4 colour vision deficient [CVD]) participants with normal VA were tested with the CAM lantern. In the main experiment, the impact of imposed dioptric blur (up to +8.00 D) on visual acuity and the Ishihara test, CAM lantern, CAD and CCT was assessed for 15 CVN participants. RESULTS: CVN participants can fail the CAM lantern, with specificity of 81.25% (aviation mode) and 75% (clinical mode), despite following the test requirements of participants having at least 0.18 logMAR (6/9) in the better eye. With blur, test accuracy was affected. As expected, significant detrimental effects of blur on test results were found for logMAR VA and CAM lantern (aviation) with +1.00 D or higher. Ishihara, CAD and CCT results were not detrimentally affected until +8.00 D. Yellow-blue discrimination was more affected by blur for the CAD than the CCT, which was not explained by the different colour spaces used or vectors tested. CONCLUSION: False-positive findings on lantern colour vision tests with small apertures are likely to be increased in patients with blur due to uncorrected refractive error or ocular and visual pathway disease. Other colour vision tests with larger stimuli are more robust to blur.

Proposed task shifting integrated with telemedicine to address uncorrected refractive error in Kenya: Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Developing countries such as Kenya still experience challenges around human resource to deliver refractive error services. However, given the burden of uncorrected refractive error, adoption of innovative and cost effective approaches is desirable. Hence this study intended to develop a task shifting framework integrated with telemedicine to potentially scale refractive error services. METHODS: This was an exploratory study conducted in four phases as follows: a scoping review of the scope of practice for ophthalmic workers in Kenya, an interview with key opinion leaders on the need for integration of public health approaches such as the vision corridors within the eye health ecosystem in Kenya and their knowledge on task shifting, and finally development and validation of a proposed task shifting framework through a Delphi technique. Purposive sampling was used to recruit key opinion leaders and data was collected via telephonic interviews. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically using NVivo Software, Version 11. RESULTS: The scoping review showed that only optometrists, ophthalmologists and ophthalmic clinical officers are allowed to undertake refraction in Kenya. All of the key opinion leaders (100%) were aware of task shifting and agreed that it is suitable for adoption within the eye health ecosystem in Kenya. All of the key opinion leaders (100%) agreed that skills development for healthcare workers without prior training on eye health supervised by optometrists through telemedicine is desirable. Notwithstanding, all of the key opinion leaders (100%) agreed that integration of public health approaches such as the vision corridors across all levels of healthcare delivery channels and development of a self-assessment visual acuity tool is desirable. Finally all of the key opinion leaders (100%) agreed that task shifting is relevant for adoption within the eye health ecosystem in Kenya. The developed framework prioritized partnership, advocacy, skills development, establishment and equipping of refraction points. The proposed framework advocated for a telemedicine between professionals with conventional training and those with skills development. CONCLUSION: Task shifting integrated with telemedicine could cost effectively scale refractive error service delivery. However, internal and external factors may hinder the success warranting the need for a multi-faceted interventions and a connection between planning and training to scale the uptake.

Steroid induced ocular complications in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a cross sectional single center study.

Objective: To screen children receiving steroids to identify ocular complications and their prevalence. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Paediatric Nephrology and Ophthalmology departments of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, from May to October 2022, and comprised patients who received at least 1500mg cumulative steroid dose for a minimum of 3 months. They were screened for steroidsensitive or steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Ocular examinations, including visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, lens examination and fundus evaluation, were performed. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 124 subjects with mean age 8.15±2.03 years (range: 6-12 years), 64(51.6%) were boys. Steroidsensitive nephrotic syndrome was present in 97(78%) cases. The mean cumulative steroid dose was 3999.31±1564.22mg. Overall, 36(29%) children developed ocular complications. Blood pressure, number of relapses and the duration of treatment were significantly associated (p<0.05). Conclusion: Refractive errors were the most frequent side effects/complication seen among children with nephrotic syndrome who received prolonged corticosteroids.

Effect of refractive errors on the results of botulinum neurotoxin administration in patients with infantile esotropia.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of refractive errors on the results of patients followed up with infantile esotropia (IE) and treated with botulinum neurotoxin (BNT) injection. METHODS: The files of patients with IE who presented to the ophthalmology pediatric ophthalmology unit and underwent BNT injection into both medial rectus muscles between 2019 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Sixty eyes of 30 patients were included in the study. Patients with additional systemic or ocular diseases and those with a history of ocular surgery were excluded. Distance and near deviations were measured (with the prism cover test or Krimsky method) before and at the first, third, and sixth months after BNT injection. RESULTS: In Group 1 (n = 20) with a spherical equivalent of + 2.0 diopters (D) or less, the mean near and distance deviation value was both 36.8 ± 12.7 prism diopter (PD) before injection. In Group 2 (n = 10) with a spherical equivalent of above + 2.0 D, the near deviation was measured as 35.0 ± 7.1 PD and distance deviation as 31.8 ± 7.9. At six months after BNT injection, the near and distance deviation values were 20.6 ± 12.3 and 20.6 ± 11.6 PD, respectively in Group 1 and 10.1 ± 10.3 and 8.8 ± 10.8 PD, respectively in Group 2. The change in deviation did not statistically significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05), but the distance and near deviation values were lower in Group 2 at sixth months after BNT injection. CONCLUSIONS: BNT injection is a preferred method in IE. Higher hypermetropic values seem to increase the success of BNT injection.