Uncorrected Refractive Errors and Spectacle Use Rate in School Children in Mashhad, 2006

To determine the prevalence of refractive errors and rate of need for spectacles in students of region one in Mashhad, 2006. By randomized cluster sampling, 2510 students were selected and underwent eye exami-nations including refraction (cycloplegic, manifest), visual acuity, cover test and determination of the spectacle prescription as well as best corrected visual acuity. Estimated need for glasses and spectacle coverage rate (met need/unmet need + met need) were calculated. Overall, 2150 students were examined (85.7% participation rate). Need for spectacles was 4.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8% to 5.6%) including met need in 2.3% and unmet need in 2.4%. Need for spectacles was 3.7% in male and 5.5% in female subjects (P=0.059). Spectacle coverage rate was 51.4%. The need for glass was 4.7% in school children of region 1 in Mashhad which was unmet in 48.6% of subjects.