PURPOSE: To study the meaning of visual acuity evaluation in ocular health programs for the early detection of ophthalmic disorders. METHODS: In this cross-sectional descriptive survey, schoolchildren of 21 elementary schools of Pelotas, RS were evaluated. Age, sex, awareness about own vision, wearing glasses or contact lenses were recorded by application of a questionnaire. Visual acuity (VA) was assessed with Snellen E optotypes. Children with VA< 0.7 or symptoms of eye problems were referred to the specialist for a detailed ophthalmologic examination. RESULTS: Of the 1502 schoolchildren included in the research, 774 (51.5%) were male. The majority, 1328 (88.41%), was aged from 6 to 8 years. Approximately 90% of the children believed to have a good vision. VA of 227 children (15.1%) was below standard. Of them, 124 (54.6%) were female. Of those who thought they had no visual problem, 193 (14.23%) were referred to an ophthalmologist. CONCLUSION: Results of this study stress the importance of VA screening. The main purpose of ocular health campaigns consists of helping children to develop their full potentialities.
Visual acuity; Eye health; Vision screening; Prevalence; Schoolchildren
