Training all class teachers improved school vision screening accuracy in Nepal
In Nepalese schools, involving all class teachers produced more accurate screening and lower costs per child with an eye problem than selected-teacher screening.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Screening by all class teachers was more accurate than screening by a small selected teacher group in these Nepalese schools. The study also reported a lower screening cost per child with refractive error or another eye abnormality. It assessed detection and cost; effects on children's later vision were not reported.
This abstract-based account does not describe how school clustering was handled or what happened after referral. It cannot establish effects on treatment uptake or children's later vision.
What researchers found
Sensitivity for identifying children with refractive error or other eye abnormalities
All class teachers versus selected teachers during school screening; 95% CIs 91.9–98.2 and 64.4–82.0, respectively. Screening duration was not reported.
What accuracy means
Sensitivity describes how often screening identifies children who have the target problem. The higher sensitivity with all class teachers was accompanied by higher specificity, meaning better identification of children without those problems.
What the schools tested
Teachers in both groups received training to recognize reduced visual acuity and visible eye abnormalities, then refer children to an eye-care team. The comparison tested who conducted screening within schools.
The original publication
Visual Acuity Screening By by School Teachers in Far West Nepal: A randomized trial of alternate screening models.
Awasthi S, Reddy PA, Bassett KL
Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ) · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 42023574
- Record checked
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