The whole exercise was conducted by Low Vision and Refractive Errors Advisor; teaming up with Ms. Petra Venes, Optometrist, CCB. The assessment guidelines were developed and shared with team members before the assessment exercise.
Sample selection
A purposive sample of 171 children was drawn from 3 countries of Caribbean; Jamaica,
Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana. These children were randomly selected by their Itinerant teachers.
Field operations and Clinical examination
All children in the programme were screened by teachers and allocated a day to come to the school where the clinics were established. A detailed ophthalmic examination and low vision assessment of these children was carried out by review team. A standardised pre tested protocol was followed for the clinical examination. Visual acuity for distance and near was assessed using Log MAR flip charts with tumbling Es and numbers. Contrast sensitivity was assessed with Lea contrast sensitivity charts. Dilated eye examination and cycloplegic refraction was performed where indicated. Anterior segment and eye adnexa were examined with a slit lamp. No clinical assessment of colour vision was performed and only functional colour vision was assessed using colour pencils. Magnification was calculated using the eqvilant viewing distances and trial of appropriate LVDs was performed where indicated and the improvement is vision was recorded. After the examination, children with refractive errors and low vision were advised and prescribed with spectacles and low vision devices. Those needing surgical intervention for cataract were referred for surgery to the nearest eye care facility.
Cognitive assessment
The cognitive assessment was done by administering a structured questionnaire to each child, participated in the assessment. The child was asked simple questions like what is your name, which class do you attend; how old are you and where do you live etc. Besides, a short reading text in large print and Braille given to the low vision and blind children respectively, duly prepared by the Itinerant teachers. Accordingly a circle in 1-5 point scale was given to mark out of five on the basis of the answer of the child and the reading test. It was also taken care that no adults/parents and concerned IE teacher interfered or answered on behalf of the child as instructed earlier.
The team also reviewed the project documents and additional relevant information in advance of the assessment. This information was summarised and forms part of this report.
Data management
All the information from exercise was entered on a pre-tested and pre-coded questionnaire. Data entered, recorded and check files created, cleaned and analyzed using EPINFO version 6.04.
Country wise breakdown of the result is as follows:
JAMAICA: