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Abstract
Introduction. In Gabon, screening programmes for uncorrected visual impairment (UCVI) remain sporadic, dependent on external missions and difficult to replicate in the long term. The aim of our study was to design a sustainable community-based model for screening UCVI in schoolchildren in Libreville. Methodology. This was a prospective, descriptive and participatory study conducted from January to June 2025 in six public and private schools in Libreville. The model was based on three pillars: training teachers to identify visual disorders, raising awareness among parents, and school screening carried out by eye health teams. Results. A total of 1,200 pupils were screened, with an average age of 9.7 ± 2.1 years. Eighteen per cent had a visual impairment, divided into refractive errors (12%), strabismus (4%) and other eye abnormalities (2%). The post-screening follow-up rate reached 85%, and overall satisfaction exceeded 90%. The involvement of teachers and parents allowed the screening to be seamlessly integrated into school activities without disrupting the educational rhythm. Conclusion. The proposed community-based model is effective, participatory and sustainable. It promotes early detection, rapid treatment and prevention of avoidable visual impairment in children. Its large-scale extension could improve eye health and academic achievement in resource-limited settings.
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References
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- 2. Odhiambo MO, et al. A survey of the prevalence of refractive errors among children in lower primary schools in Kampala district. East Afr Med J. 2003; 80(4):226-230.
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- 5. Abdi Ahmed ZD, Alrasheed SH, Alghamdi W. Prevalence of refractive error and visual impairment among school-age children of Hargeisa, Somaliland. East Mediterr Health J. 2020; 26(11):1362-1370.
- 6. Lekganyane RM, Siziba N, Mabasa MT, et al. Patterns of refractive errors and visual function in school-going children in South Africa. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2024; 83 (1):a845.
- 7. Kobia-Antwi E, et al. Integrating school eye health into primary healthcare in Ghana: community engagement and sustainability. Glob Health Action. 2021; 14(1):191-200.
- 8. Naidoo KS, Wallace DB. The challenge of uncorrected refractive error: driving the agenda of the Durban Declaration. Clin Exp Optom. 2020; 103(1):1-3.
- 9. Gilbert CE, et al. Childhood blindness and visual impairment: global patterns and emerging priorities. Bull World Health Organ. 2021; 99(2):143-150.
- 10. Burton MJ, et al. Universal eye health: a global action plan 2023–2030. World Health Organization; Geneva; 2023.
- 11. WHO Africa Regional Office. School health and eye screening guidelines. Brazzaville: WHO-AFRO; 2022.
- 12. Maul E, Barroso S, Muñoz SR. Refractive error and visual acuity in school children in Chile. Am J Ophthalmol. 2021; 151(4):839-846.
- 13. Holden BA, et al. Global vision impairment due to uncorrected myopia and presbyopia. Arch Ophthalmol. 2020; 138 (1):12-19.
- 14. Courtright P, Lewallen S. Strengthening school eye health programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Community Eye Health J. 2019;32 (106):27-30.
References
1. Nebiyat K, Alemayehu W, Tigist SW. Refractive errors among school children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. J Ophthalmol East Cent S Afr. 2020; 19(2):62-69.
2. Odhiambo MO, et al. A survey of the prevalence of refractive errors among children in lower primary schools in Kampala district. East Afr Med J. 2003; 80(4):226-230.
3. World Health Organization. World report on vision. Geneva: WHO; 2019.
4. Hashemi H, Fotouhi A, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of myopia prevalence in African school children. BMC Ophthalmol. 2022; 22:123.
5. Abdi Ahmed ZD, Alrasheed SH, Alghamdi W. Prevalence of refractive error and visual impairment among school-age children of Hargeisa, Somaliland. East Mediterr Health J. 2020; 26(11):1362-1370.
6. Lekganyane RM, Siziba N, Mabasa MT, et al. Patterns of refractive errors and visual function in school-going children in South Africa. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2024; 83 (1):a845.
7. Kobia-Antwi E, et al. Integrating school eye health into primary healthcare in Ghana: community engagement and sustainability. Glob Health Action. 2021; 14(1):191-200.
8. Naidoo KS, Wallace DB. The challenge of uncorrected refractive error: driving the agenda of the Durban Declaration. Clin Exp Optom. 2020; 103(1):1-3.
9. Gilbert CE, et al. Childhood blindness and visual impairment: global patterns and emerging priorities. Bull World Health Organ. 2021; 99(2):143-150.
10. Burton MJ, et al. Universal eye health: a global action plan 2023–2030. World Health Organization; Geneva; 2023.
11. WHO Africa Regional Office. School health and eye screening guidelines. Brazzaville: WHO-AFRO; 2022.
12. Maul E, Barroso S, Muñoz SR. Refractive error and visual acuity in school children in Chile. Am J Ophthalmol. 2021; 151(4):839-846.
13. Holden BA, et al. Global vision impairment due to uncorrected myopia and presbyopia. Arch Ophthalmol. 2020; 138 (1):12-19.
14. Courtright P, Lewallen S. Strengthening school eye health programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Community Eye Health J. 2019;32 (106):27-30.