OPHTHALMIC NEEDS OF STUDENTS IN A SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND IN ABUJA

Abstract

Aim: To investigate for ophthalmic need requiring intervention among the subjects in a school 
for the blind in Jabi, Abuja.
Methods: Full ophthalmic assessment was carried out including visual acuity assessment, 
anterior and posterior segments examination, and detailed refraction and low vision 
assessment where possible. Subjects with ophthalmic conditions requiring further intervention 
were identified.
Results: One hundred and eleven pupils were present during the period of the study while 110 
consented and participated in the study. The ages ranged from 6-32 years with a mean of 14.5 
+/- 5.6 years. Sixty-nine students (62.7%) were aged less than 16 years while 41 (37.3%) were 
aged 16 years and above. About forty-six percent (46.4%) had PVA of nil light perception (NLP) 
while 38.2% had PVA of <3/60- LP (category 4). Eighty-eight subjects (80%) had low vision/ 
blindness resulting from conditions considered irreversible while 22 subjects (20%) had 
conditions deemed to require some form of intervention. 
Conclusion: On going needs exist among the subjects in this school and these justify periodic 
assessment among them.