Dr. SUMITA SETHI GULATI

Abstract

Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), an NRHM initiative, includes screening of govt aided schools and anganwadis and their referral. Aim of the study was to identify common causes of ocular morbidity in children referred through RBSK to our hospital as the nodal state referral center. Retrospective analysis of records of children with ocular morbidity over a period of six years (2014-20) was undertaken; clinical diagnosis was recorded on a seven point scale based on major anatomical involvement. A total of 5062 patients presented with ocular morbidities (mean age 8.5±3.8 yrs); most common clinical group was that of strabismus (50.2%), followed by refractive errors with/without amblyopia (24.8%), and lids related disorders (5.84%). More than 50% had avoidable or treatable causes of visual impairment. A national program with capacity to screen and ensure appropriate referral facilities resulted in intervention in many cases with avoidable and treatable causes of visual impairment.