Survey of Refractive Errors among Buddhist Scripture, Dhamma-Bali and Regular School of Buddhist Novices in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Background: Refractive errors that affect learning are common eye problems in children. Eye-screening for refractive errors in the children population is accepted as a cost-effective method in the prevention of such problems. The Department of Ophthalmology, Priest Hospital, conducted a visual screening program for the novices of the Buddhist Scripture Schools. Objective: To conduct the visual screening, evaluate eye health status and ocular abnormalities; to correct refractive errors among school novices of the Buddhist Scripture Schools. Material and Method: A survey of refractive errors was conducted in 76 Buddhist Scripture schools in the Bangkok Metropolitan area between October 2005 and September 2007. The novices whose ages were between 9 and 20 years were included in the present study. Refraction and eye examinations were performed by ophthalmic nurses, optometrists, and the health personnel team, resulting in novices with refractive errors receiving custom-made eyeglasses, without charge along with eye health education. The present survey was conducted during public holidays. Results: Two thousand six hundred fifty eight novices of the Buddhist Scripture were initially screened, leading to refractive errors being identified and corrected in 498 (18.74 %) of the cases. Of the corrected cases, 465 (93.37 %) needed eyeglasses, with the most common cause of refractive error being myopia. Thre