Background: Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious eye disease that leads to blindness. Continuous re-infection by the bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis, leads to scarring of the cornea and subsequently to blindness. It is commonly found in the poorest and remotest part of Africa, Asia, Latin America and Mid-east, where hygienic conditions are also poorer. The Alliance for the Global Elimination of Blinding Trachoma by the year 2020 (GET 2020) was launched by World Health Organization (WHO) with the main aim of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem globally by year 2020. The Alliance funded Sightsavers, as part of the strategy to meet this target, to set up the Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) which was to map all endemic places for intervention through a population-based prevalence survey. There are five main signs of the disease and the number of people affected by each sign explains the magnitude and the intervention needed in that population. WHO recommends the active trachoma survey in children age 1-9 years and the blinding signs in adults' age 15 years and above. More researches, that establish quicker means of intervention for the endemic trachoma areas, are needed using the GTMP data in order to meet the year 2020 target. Methods: Baseline data from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) was used as a secondary dataset for this research. All eligible regions in Ethiopia were included. The GTMP teams conducted surveys in seven regions. All age groups were included, but for the purpose of planning, the study assessed TF in children age 1-9 years and TT in adults age 15 years and above. The prevalence of TF in children and TT in adults are indicators for programme decision making for intervention and establishing the relationship between them would aid in the intervention. The relationship if established could help in planning the extent of intervention needed in a given population. Data on sanitation and hygiene as well as altitude, which were collected as part of GTMP, were assessed to determine if they contributed to relationship between TF and TT. Results: The study included a total of 282,558 individuals living in 174 evaluation units from seven regions of Ethiopia, among whom 256,587 gave consent to be examined. This study found a significant relationship between the prevalence of TF in children and the prevalence of TT in adults when analysis is done at the evaluation unit level (correlation rho, 0.59; p-value <0.0001). Hence, 59% of the prevalence of TT in adults can be explained for by the presence of TF in children. Sub-group analysis showed that the correlation persisted at the regional level. Conclusion: A better understanding of the relationship between the prevalence of TF and the prevalence of TT together with the factors influencing this association using this large dataset may aid in prioritization of districts for intervention and has implications for global activities for the elimination of trachoma.

Part A of the dissertation includes the protocol of the study, which was approved by Faculty of Health Sciences Human Research Ethics Committee, University of Cape Town. The study was observational analytical, aiming to determine the magnitude and determinants of the ratio between prevalence of low vision and prevalence of blindness using Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) surveys across World Bank regions. The surveys included in the study were available in the RAAB repository and obtained through permission from the primary investigators. A univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using the ratio as an outcome variable and potential explanatory variables as follows: prevalence of Uncorrected Refractive Error (URE), Cataract Surgical Coverage (CSC) at visual acuity 3/60, 6/60 and 6/18 for persons, logarithm of Gross Domestic Product per capita income and health expenditure per capita income. Part B contains the structured literature review. PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOHOST (Africa wide and MEDLINE) and Web of science databases were used to look for literature using the following key words: rapid assessment, blindness, age-related cataract, uncorrected refractive errors, low vision, visual impairment, avoidable OR curable OR preventable OR treatable. The summary of the literature review in addition to the gap in the literature is presented in the section. Part C includes a journal "ready" manuscript. The results showed that the ratio was between 1.35% in Mozambique and 11.03% in India. There was a statistically significant variation of the ratio across the regions: approximately 7.0 in South Asia and approximately 3.0 in Sub-Saharan Africa (X2=28.23, P<0.001). The variables: prevalence of Uncorrected Refractive Errors (URE), Cataract Surgical Coverage at visual acuity 3/60, 6/60 and 6/18 for persons, logarithm of Gross Domestic Product per capita and logarithm of health expenditure per capita were found to be statistically significantly associated with the ratio. However, only prevalence of URE and CSC at 3/60 for persons across the regions were found statistically significant in multivariate analysis.

Background: Uncorrected Refractive Errors (UREs) are the most common cause of vision loss globally. The burden is particularly worse in low- and middle-income countries like Zambia, where access to Refractive Error Correction Services (RECS) is limited. This study aimed to assess the user's accessibility to RECS in selected Zambian Hospitals. Methods: Twenty (20) public health facilities offering RECS were conveniently selected using a crosssectional design. These represented 20 districts in eight provinces of Zambia. A questionnaire-based on access to health care services framework was administered. The framework assessed service accessibility in terms of availability, geographical accessibility, and affordability. Facility managers completed and submitted the questionnaire via email. Results: Completed questionnaires were received from 20 facilities. Nineteen facilities were located in rural areas whilst one facility was located in an urban area. Most facilities (84%) had the Ministry of Health recommended equipment, though essential equipment such as tonometers were lacking in most facilities (70%). Fifteen facilities (75%) reported having Optometry Technologists as the main staff offering services. Only two facilities (10%) had an Ophthalmologist each and no facility had an Optometrist. School-based programmes were not carried out in all facilities. Only one (5%) facility was able to dispense spectacles soon after refraction as it had a spectacle manufacturing workshop. For some facilities (60%), a poor road network posed a challenge to geographical accessibility. Insufficient funding limited access to RECSs. Facility representative stated that not all patients could meet the cost of services in all the facilities. Conclusion: Access to refractive error correction services in the 20 facilities was limited due to a combination of eye health programme deficiencies and general challenges typical in low- and middle-income countries. Funding, human resources and equipment were insufficient. Inadequate road network and infrastructure undermined service delivery. The accessibility shortcomings identified should be used to improve user accessibility of refractive services.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 2006. / Supervisors: P.J. Bennett, A.B. Sekuler. Includes bibliographical references.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Objetivou-se avaliar uso da cartilha educativa virtual como ferramenta para promover a autoavaliaÃÃo ocular subsidiada pelo pressuposto da aprendizagem significativa. Estudo quase experimental, desenvolvido em uma universidade pÃblica federal brasileira, com alunos regularmente matriculados em cursos de graduaÃÃo. A amostra foi composta por 324 estudantes, entre janeiro a maio de 2014, por uma equipe de treze acadÃmicos de enfermagem e dois enfermeiros. Para coleta, utilizaram-se quatro instrumentos, durante o procedimento a equipe realizava observaÃÃo, e, ao seu tÃrmino, o exame ocular. Para anÃlise estatÃstica utilizou-se o software SPSS versÃo 19.0, bem como para medir o grau de concordÃncia entre os resultados dos exames, foi realizado o teste Kappa, considerando-se nÃvel de significÃncia de 5% e p-valor de 0,05. A fim de verificar a relaÃÃo entre o seguimento dos passos no autoexame, utilizou-se teste de Qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher, e seguiu-se as recomendaÃÃes Ãticas propostas pela ResoluÃÃo 466/12. A maioria dos participantes era do sexo masculino 193 (59,6%), sendo 294 (91,0%) solteiros, 279 (86,1%) procedentes do interior do PiauÃ, idade mÃdia de 21 anos, com renda familiar mÃdia de R$ 737 mensais. Apesar do desconhecimento sobre problemas oculares, 98 (30,2%), constatou-se que o erro de refraÃÃo foi o principal problema ocular, 175 casos (54,0%). Um nÃmero expressivo, 321 (99,1%), concordou que a realizaÃÃo do exame ocular nÃo se restringia apenas ao mÃdico e mesmo nÃo substituindo a consulta com oftalmologista, 222 (68,8%), o autoexame deveria ser adotado como prÃtica regular, 266 (82,4%), tendo a cartilha virtual apontado corretamente sua forma de realizaÃÃo, 273 (84,6%). Reiterada pela percepÃÃo de que a cartilha està organizada de forma lÃgica e clara, 305 (94,4%), os materiais para o exame sÃo fÃceis de serem encontrados, 319 (98,8%), bem como sua linguagem simples, 313 (96,6%). Comprovou-se ser possÃvel a aprendizagem significativa mediada pela cartilha virtual, pois comparativamente os resultados dos exames mostraram-se similares, obtendo-se apenas nos exames da acuidade visual para perto e visÃo perifÃrica Ãndice de concordÃncia considerado razoÃvel, os demais foram superiores, com Ãndice Kappa>0,2. Apenas a inobservÃncia da higiene das mÃos antes do procedimento, 52 (16,3%), e o posicionamento da escala de Snellen, 144 (44,4%), foram realizados de forma incorreta, sendo o segundo fator determinante para comprometimento do teste da acuidade visual. A cartilha virtual sobre autoexame ocular promove aprendizagem significativa, funcionando como organizador da estrutura cognitiva, possibilitando aprendizado por descoberta dirigida e autÃnoma. / This study aimed to evaluate the use of a virtual educational leaflet as an instrument to promote eye self-examination based on the assumption of meaningful learning. A quasiexperimental study conducted in a Brazilian federal university with students regularly enrolled in undergraduate courses. Data collection occurred with 324 students, between January and May 2014, by a team of thirteen nursing students and two attending nurse. For collection, we used four instruments, during the procedure, the team performed observation; and later, the eye examination. The data were submitted analysis by the SPSS software version 19.0. To measure the degree of agreement between the test results, we applied the Cohenâs kappa, considering a significance level of 5% and p-value of 0.05. To verify the association between following the steps in self-examination, we used the chi-square or Fisherâs exact test. We followed the ethical recommendations proposed by Resolution 466/12. Most participants had a mean age of 21 years; were single, 294 (91.0%); male, 193 (59.6%); came from the interior of the state of PiauÃ, Brazil, 279 (86.1%); with an average family income of R$737 per month. Despite the lack of knowledge about eye problems, 98 (30.2%), the majority reported being able to name at least one visual problem, 226 (69.8%), mainly refractive error, 175 (54.0%), still, 310 (95.7%) agreed that the routine eye exam was very necessary. A significant share agreed that performing the eye examination was not restricted only to the doctor, 321 (99.1%), and despite not replacing an ophthalmology consultation, 222 (68.8%), self-examination should be adopted as a regular practice, 266 (82.4%), where the virtual leaflet correctly presented its accomplishment, 273 (84.5%). Reiterated by the perception that the leaflet is organized logically and clearly, 305 (94.4%), the materials for the examination are easy to find, 319 (98.8%), and it has a simple language, 312 (96.6%). A meaningful learning mediated by the virtual leaflet has proved possible, since the compared test results were similar, obtaining a concordance index considered reasonable only in tests of near visual acuity and peripheral vision, others were higher, with Cohenâs kappa>0.2. Only the lack of hand hygiene before the procedure, 52 (16.3%), and the positioning of the Snellen chart, 144 (44.4%), were performed incorrectly, the latter being a determining factor for compromising the visual acuity test. This type of technology is proven effective and works as an organizer of cognitive structure, enabling learning by directed and autonomous discovery.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / Objetivou-se comparar a realizaÃÃo do autoexame ocular por estudantes com suporte das cartilhas virtual e impressa. Pesquisa avaliativa com dois grupos comparativos, desenvolvida em uma escola pÃblica em Fortaleza-CE, cuja amostra foi composta por 100 estudantes. A coleta de dados ocorreu de dezembro de 2012 a dezembro de 2013, mediante dois instrumentos: o primeiro para identificaÃÃo e avaliaÃÃo do conhecimento prÃvio dos estudantes acerca do autoexame ocular. O segundo foi utilizado pelos juÃzes para a anÃlise das filmagens referentes à execuÃÃo do autoexame, assim dividido: a) exame da acuidade visual â longe; b) acuidade visual â perto; c) exame das estruturas oculares externas; d) exame do campo visual â visÃo perifÃrica e visÃo central; e movimento ocular. Foram os Testes &#967;2 e o Exato de Fisher para comparaÃÃo entre proporÃÃes, e o Teste &#967;2 de TendÃncia Linear. Adotou-se o nÃvel de significÃncia estatÃstica de 5%. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comità de Ãtica em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal do Cearà conforme parecer n 118.180/12. As queixas mais referidas pelos alunos, para ambos os grupos, teste e comparaÃÃo, foram: dores de cabeÃa (24%); aproxima-se muito da televisÃo ou do papel para ver melhor (19%); sensibilidade à luz (26%). A cartilha virtual apresentou maior proporÃÃo de itens classificados como adequados intrajuÃzes quando comparada a versÃo impressa. DiferenÃas estatisticamente significantes foram encontradas para os seguintes passos: posicionamento da tabela de Snellen (p&#706;0,000) e da Escala de Jaegger (p=0,003); avaliaÃÃo da conjuntiva e esclera (p=0,001); avaliaÃÃo das pÃlpebras (p&#706;0,000); avaliaÃÃo da pupila e Ãris (p=0,001); avaliaÃÃo do campo visual (p=0,004) e visÃo central (p=0,027). Os Coeficientes de concordÃncia interjuÃzes apresentados para a cartilha impressa foram relativamente baixos quando comparados à cartilha virtual. Enquanto o Kappa estimado variou entre pobre (&#954; = -0,1 a 0,18) e nÃo concordante (&#954; = 0,0), os percentuais de concordÃncia assim variaram: interjuÃzes 1 e 2, 24,0 a 74,0, no par 2 e 3, 24,0 a 78,0, inter 3 e 1, 26,5 a 72,0. Conclui-se que embora nÃo tenha havido boa concordÃncia intra e interjuÃzes na avaliaÃÃo das cartilhas, a versÃo virtual demonstrou maior proporÃÃo de itens classificados como adequados. Ressalta-se que este resultado nÃo deve ser interpretado como evidÃncia de ausÃncia de efeito da cartilha impressa para o ensino do autoexame ocular. Hà a necessidade de realizar outros estudos com amostras maiores e controlando melhor as variÃveis idade e escolaridade.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Uma proporÃÃo significativa de indivÃduos em estÃgios diferenciados de evoluÃÃo da infecÃÃo pelo HIV apresenta alteraÃÃes oculares irreversÃveis, por falta de diagnÃstico e tratamento precoces, por vezes essas alteraÃÃes ocasionam perda da acuidade visual. Portanto, uma cartilha impressa sobre autoexame ocular foi desenvolvida, e pensando em ampliar o acesso deste material foi desenvolvido para um ambiente digital, o qual se justifica pela necessidade de ampliar o conhecimento sobre o autoexame ocular e aumentar a adesÃo a esta prÃtica. Assim objetivou-se avaliar tecnologia educacional a distÃncia para a promoÃÃo da saÃde ocular; adequar material impresso ao meio virtual; analisar o uso do ambiente virtual da cartilha virutal sobre Autoexame Ocular e avaliar a Cartilha Virtual sobre Autoexame Ocular com juÃzes especialistas de aspectos pedagÃgicos e tÃcnicos. Trata-se de estudo de elaboraÃÃo de material educacional digital proposto por Falkembach, com as seguintes fases: elaboraÃÃo do material educativo digital, fase de modelagem, implementaÃÃo, distribuiÃÃo e avaliaÃÃo. Foi desenvolvido no LaboratÃrio de ComunicaÃÃo em SaÃde da Universidade Federal do Cearà no perÃodo compreendido de 2009 a 2010. Na primeira fase seguiu-se a elaboraÃÃo do material digital. Na segunda etapa foi a submissÃo do material ao julgamento inicial de acadÃmicos de enfermagem no intuito de se identificar dificuldades de uso do material criado, e realizado adequaÃÃo da linguagem do material educativo digital. Na terceira etapa submeteu-se o material à avaliaÃÃo por juÃzes especialistas da Ãrea de educaÃÃo e informÃtica. Como resultados foi possÃvel identificar falhas iniciais na estruturaÃÃo das pÃginas, e os comandos tiveram de ser recolocados, unificados e dispostos em local de fÃcil visualizaÃÃo. Portanto, reformulou-se o material digital no sentido de adequÃ-lo ao ambiente virtual, reestruturando inclusive a linguagem. A escolha pelo vÃdeo tutorial revelou ser uma ferramenta eficaz na capacitaÃÃo individual, e promoveu maior autonomia pelo fato de subsidiar a realizaÃÃo dos exames oculares pelo usuÃrio. Na avaliaÃÃo dos entrevistados o material se mostrou de fÃcil navegaÃÃo e com capacidade de despertar a curiosidade e interesse em acessar o conteÃdo considerado pelos avaliadores de fÃcil compreensÃo. à fundamental o uso de novas tecnologias do cuidado com enfoque nas aÃÃes educativas, entretanto, à necessÃrio uma avaliaÃÃo de suas limitaÃÃes, benefÃcios e uma adequaÃÃo Ãs necessidades dos usuÃrios, jà que a avaliaÃÃo à um processo contÃnuo de aperfeiÃoamentos e ajustes necessÃrios, e assim propor um caminho inovador que gerem atitudes conscientes e intencionais, alÃm da valorizaÃÃo e reconhecimento do exercÃcio de cidadania. Espera-se que, a cartilha virtual sobre autoexame ocular facilite a identificaÃÃo de alteraÃÃes visuais e tambÃm proporcione incentivo na busca de uma assistÃncia oftalmolÃgica, aspecto indispensÃvel na AIDS. / A significant proportion of individuals at different stages of evolution of HIV infection presents irreversible eye changes due to lack of early diagnosis and treatment, sometimes these changes cause loss of visual acuity. Therefore, a printed guide on eye self-examination was developed, and aiming to increase the access to this material it was developed for a digital environment, which is justified by the need to increase the knowledge on eye self-examination and the adherence to this practice. Thus it was aimed to assess the distance education technology for the eye health promotion; match the printed material to the virtual; assess the Virtual Guide on Eye Self-examination of expert judges on pedagogical and technical aspects. It is a study to develop digital educational material proposed by Falkembach, with the following stages: preparation of digital educational material, modeling phase, implementation, distribution and assessment. It was developed at the Laboratory of Health Communication, Federal University of Cearà from 2009 to 2010. In the first phase the development of digital material was done, then it was submitted to the initial trial of nursing students in order to identify difficulties in the use of material created, and the language adjustment of the digital educational material was made. In the final stage it was submitted to the assessment by expert judges in the area of education and IT. As a result it was possible to identify flaws in the initial structuring of pages, and commands had to be replaced, unified and arranged in places of easy viewing. Therefore, the digital material was reformulated in order to be appropriate to the virtual environment, including restructuring the language. The choice for the tutorial video was proved to be an effective tool for individual training, and promoted greater autonomy for the fact that supports the achievement of eye examinations by the user. In the assessment of interviews the material was proved to be easy to navigate and able to arouse curiosity and interest in accessing the content considered by the evaluators easy to understand. It is important to use new care technologies focused on educational actions, however, it requires a complete assessment of its limitations, benefits and an adjustment to the needs of users, once it is a continuous process of improvement and adjustment, and so propose an innovative way to generate conscious and intentional attitudes, as well as appreciation and recognition of the exercise of citizenship. We hope that the virtual guide on eye self-examination facilitates the identification of visual changes and also provides stimulus to search for eye care, indispensable aspect in AIDS.

Orientador: Maria Elisabete Rodrigues Freire Gaparetto / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-22T00:37:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Nilsen_MayaraLarissa_M.pdf: 13542367 bytes, checksum: 2c541a68bc9e258aec285432b8188965 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Dentre as ações necessárias de promoção de saúde, destaca-se a promoção da saúde ocular, pois, segundo a Organização Mundial de Saúde, aproximadamente 70% dos casos de cegueira mundial poderiam ser evitados se fossem realizadas ações de promoção da saúde por meio de técnicas simples como a aplicação de testes para avaliar a acuidade visual. Considerando tais afirmações este estudo teve como objetivos: 1) Acompanhar a inserção do enfermeiro das Estratégias de Saúde da Família na avaliação da acuidade visual de crianças matriculadas na 1a série do ensino fundamental do município de Limeira; 2) Avaliar a acuidade visual dessas crianças. Método: Realizou-se estudo analítico com crianças da 1a serie do ensino fundamental de 05 escolas do município de Limeira/SP com a participação dos enfermeiros que atuam nas Estratégias de Saúde da Família. As variáveis investigadas foram: sexo, idade, identificação da escola, avaliação da acuidade visual, uso de lentes corretivas, valores da acuidade visual e os sintomas apresentados durante a avaliação. Os instrumentos utilizados foram à tabela de Snellen e um questionário que foi aplicado às crianças por meio de entrevista. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 143 crianças, sendo 55,9% do sexo feminino e 44,1% do sexo masculino com idade média de 5,95 anos. A média geral da acuidade visual foi de 0,857 para o olho direito; 0,846 para o olho esquerdo e 0,913 em ambos os olhos. Dessas crianças 2,1% já utilizavam correção e 17,5% apresentaram sintomas indicativos de dificuldade visual durante a realização do teste, com a prevalência do sinal de franzir de testa em 11,9% das crianças. Os resultados evidenciaram que em 7,0% das crianças houve diferença de acuidade visual entre o olho direito e o olho esquerdo. Foi verificada significância entre a acuidade visual e a presença de sintomas de dificuldade visual, com valor de p?0,05 que foi correlacionado por meio do teste de Mann-Whitney U. Foram encaminhadas 38 (26,6%) crianças ao oftalmologista. Conclusão: Considerando a interferência dos problemas visuais na aprendizagem, foi realizada a promoção da saúde ocular na escola e verificou-se que após a capacitação, o enfermeiro do programa de saúde da família pode contribuir na detecção precoce de problemas visuais, contribuindo para a diminuição de repetência e da evasão escolar / Abstract: Among the actions needed to promote health, there is the promotion of eye health because, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 70% of cases of blindness worldwide could be prevented if they were carried out actions to promote health through techniques simple as the application of tests to assess visual acuity. Considering such statements this study aimed to: 1) Monitor the insertion of nurses Strategies of Family Health in visual acuity of children enrolled in the first grade of the city of Limeira, 2) evaluate the visual acuity of these children. Method: We performed analytical study with children of primary school first series of 05 schools in the city of Limeira / SP with the participation of nurses working in Family Health Strategies. The variables were: gender, age, school ID, visual acuity, corrective lenses, values of visual acuity and symptoms during the evaluation. The instruments used were the Snellen chart and a questionnaire that was administered to children through interviews. Results: The sample consisted of 143 children, with 55.9% female and 44.1% male with an average age of 5.95 years. The average visual acuity was 0.857 for the right eye; 0.846 to 0.913 and left eye to both eyes. 2.1% of these children were using correction and 17.5% had symptoms indicative of visual difficulty during the test, with the prevalence signal frown in 11.9% of children. The results showed that 7.0% of children were no difference in visual acuity between the right eye and the left eye. Significance was found between visual acuity and symptoms of visual impairment, with p ? 0.05 which was correlated by means of the Mann-Whitney U test Were referred 38 (26.6%) children the ophthalmologist. Conclusion: Considering the interference of visual problems in learning, was held to promote eye health in school and it was found that after the training, the nurse of the family health program can help in early detection of visual problems, contributing to the decrease Repetition and dropout / Mestrado / Interdisciplinaridade e Reabilitação / Mestra em Saúde, Interdisciplinaridade e Reabilitação

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / Purpose: This study analyzes the factors associated with eye care service utilization among Peruvians 50 years of age and older, measured as self-reporting of having undergone examination of visual acuity during the last 12 months. Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2019 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES, for its acronym in Spanish) database was carried out. We estimated the weighted proportion of adults 50 years of age and older that reported having undergone a visual acuity examination in the previous 12 months and the frequency according to the variables of interest. Crude (PR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of eye care service utilization were constructed using generalized linear models. Results: Approximately 28.8% of Peruvians 50 years of age and older underwent a visual acuity examination in the previous 12 months. Having a higher education (aPR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.33–2.40), health insurance such as EsSalud (aPR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.28–1.87), a previous diagnosis of cataracts (aPR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.67–2.09) and being part of the richest wealth quintile (aPR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.74–3.20) were associated with greater utilization of eye care services, while living in the jungle was associated with a lower likelihood of utilization of these services. Conclusion: The unequal distribution of health resources within the territory and socioeconomic gaps among the population could explain our findings. Further efforts are needed to fulfill the eye health needs of the Peruvian population.

Introdução: No Brasil, os programas de prevenção dos distúrbios oculares têm se mostrado insuficientes. A consulta ambulatorial na Atenção Básica à Saúde poderia ser uma oportunidade para o rastreamento de agravos oculares. Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência e causas dos agravos oculares em crianças e adolescentes que utilizam os ambulatórios de Atenção Primária e avaliar a adequação existente nesses ambulatórios na aplicação de testes para a triagem visual. Casuística e Métodos: Estudo de corte transversal com 435 crianças e adolescentes que utilizavam os ambulatórios de Pediatria e Hebiatria do Centro Médico Social Comunitário Vila Lobato e que se submeteram à triagem visual utilizando-se a tabela de Snellen, um questionário e o Teste do Reflexo Vermelho do Olho. Resultados: Da amostra total, 70 (16%) dos indivíduos apresentaram distúrbios oculares e foram encaminhados ao oftalmologista, sendo que desses, 59 (84,2%) compareceram à consulta. O erro refracional foi detectado em 31 (52,5%) indivíduos examinados pelo oftalmologista, sendo o astigmatismo e a hipermetropia os mais comuns (18,6% e 15,2%, respectivamente). A miopia foi o erro refracional de menor prevalência encontrado, correspondendo a 1,7% dos indivíduos e 6,8% apresentaram outras patologias oculares. Conclusões: O estudo mostrou a prevalência de 16% de agravos oculares na população estudada. Verificou-se, também, que as consultas ambulatoriais em Atenção Primária à Saúde são uma oportunidade real para a aplicação de testes visuais. / Introduction: In Brazil, prevention programs for ocular disorders have proved insufficient. Outpatient consultation in Primary Health Care could be an opportunity for eye screening. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and causes of eye diseases in children and adolescents who use Primary Care outpatient clinics and to evaluate the suitability of these outpatient clinics in the application of tests for visual screening. Casuístic and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 435 children and adolescents using Pediatrics and Hebiatrics outpatient clinics at Vila Lobato Community Social Medical Center who underwent visual screening using the Snellen table, a questionnaire, and the Red Reflex Test Eye. Results: Of the total sample 70 (16%) of the pacients presented low visual acuity and were referred to the ophthalmologist, 59 (84.2%) of the pacients attended the consultation. The refractive error was detected in 31 (52.5%) of the pacients examined by the ophthalmologist, with astigmatism and hyperopia being the most common (18.6% and 15.2%, respectively). Myopia was the refractive error with the lowest prevalence found corresponding to 1.7% of the pacients, and 6.8% presented other ocular pathologies. Conclusions: The study showed the prevalence of 16% of ocular diseases in the study population. It has been realized that outpatient consultations in Primary Health Care are a real opportunity for the application of visual tests.