BACKGROUND : Providing correction spectacles is the simplest way to improve quality of life in children with decreased visual acuity due to refractive error. Under “Palli Sirar Kannoli Kappom Thittam” (KKT) Scheme of Tamil Nadu government, nearly 75 lakhs students studying from class 6 to class 12 are screened and checked annually, and students with refractive error are provided with free corrective spectacles.
AIM : The aim of this study is to assess continuous wear of spectacles, product status and subjective improvement in academic performance of scheme beneficiaries under KKT scheme in Paramakudi Health Unit District.
Methods : A Cross-sectional study was conducted among Palli Sirar Kannoli Kappom Thittam beneficiaries in Paramakudi Health Unit District. Multistage random sampling method was used to select Parthibanur block among 6 blocks and Parthibanur Government Higher Secondary School among 37 schools in the block. Data was collected from 53 beneficiary students under KKT scheme by self-administered questionnaire and the results were analysed.
RESULTS : Most common refractive error was myopia present in 96% beneficiaries and astigmatism in nearly 4%. Around 20% of participants reported continuous wear of more than 14 hours, 41% wearing for 6 to 14 hours and 39% wearing less than 6 hours. Subjective academic performance improved in 92.3%. Children who disliked spectacle wear were 30.1%, among whom nearly 75% cited personal dislike and 25% cited peer mockery as reasons for dislike.
CONCLUSION : Awareness among children to promote continuous wear of spectacles is necessary. IEC to improve continuous use and monitoring spectacle wear by teachers and parents are required. Steps need to be taken in school and home environment to prevent peer mockery of students wearing glasses.