Screening and Correction of Visual Disorders in School Settings: An Epidemiological Study in Primary Schools of Figuig in Eastern Morocco

Refractive errors are a major cause of visual impairment in children, affecting their academic performance and quality of life. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of refractive errors among primary school children in Figuig, Morocco, through a school-based screening program conducted on December 6 and 7, 2024. A total of 1,350 students aged 5 to 14 years were screened using visual acuity tests, non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction with auto-refractometers, and trial lenses for final correction assessment. The results revealed that 176 children (13.0%) had refractive errors, with astigmatism (54.0%) being the most prevalent, followed by myopia (26.7%), hyperopia (16.5%), and anisometropia (2.8%). Myopia prevalence increased significantly with age, whereas hyperopia was more common in younger children. A slight female predominance (52.3%) was observed. These findings emphasize the importance of systematic school-based vision screening programs to ensure early detection and correction of refractive errors, particularly in underserved areas, to prevent long-term visual impairment and improve children’s academic and developmental outcomes.