Eye Health Screening for Students in an Elementary School within theScope of School Health Nursing Roles

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the eye health problems or visual defects ofstudents in an elementary school and to provide care and treatment when necessary. Methods: The sample of this cross-sectional descriptive study consisted of 2,136 studentsin a primary school. In the process of data collection, student identification information form,vision screening form, and feedback form of teachers about screening developed by the re searchers were used. Frequency and percentages were used to define categorical variables.Categorical variables were compared by the chi-square test.Results: From the results of the eye examination, blepharitis, strabismus, and inability to focus(2.2%) were the most common. According to the result of the visual acuity scan, the prevalen ce of refractive error was found to be 18.9%. A statistically significant difference was foundbetween the suspicion of refractive error according to the age group (χ2=50.071, P < .001).Feedback was obtained from 75.4% of the students who suspected refractive errors in any oftheir eyes. Of these students, 33.2% went to a doctor’s examination, 42.6% were given spec tacles, 10.9% were started on medication, and 3% were given both medication and spectacles.The results of the screening show that 56.4% of the students who have a suspected refractiveerror in any of their eyes and who go to the doctor’s examination are detected correctly.Conclusion: It should be noted that nurses play a key role in the provision and maintenanceof school health services. In addition, it is recommended that research on the roles of nursesin identifying other problems that may be raised by screening be conducted and that nursesshould be employed in schools.