Refractive Errors Among Schoolchildren in Central India: Prevalence and Functional Impact

Background: Refractive errors are a primary cause of preventable visual impairment in schoolchildren globally. There is a lack of data from Central India concerning the prevalence and functional impact subsequent to refractive correction. This study sought to assess the prevalence and determinants of refractive errors and to evaluate the visual, functional, and psychosocial enhancements following spectacle correction. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical mixed-methods study was executed from August 2023 to July 2024 in 12 randomly chosen schools in Rajgarh District, Madhya Pradesh. Using multistage stratified random sampling, we screened 300 kids between the ages of 9 and 15. They did a visual acuity test, an objective and subjective refraction test, and a pre-validated questionnaire. All diagnosed students received spectacles, and a follow-up after 6–8 weeks evaluated adherence and functional enhancement. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to look at the quantitative data. Qualitative responses were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Refractive errors were detected in 24% (n=72; 95% CI: 19.2–28.8) of the students. Myopia was the most common (45.8%), followed by hyperopia (29.2%) and astigmatism (25%). Age (aOR = 1.18; p = 0.004) and living in a city (aOR = 2.09; p = 0.006) were both important predictors. After correction, the mean visual acuity improved significantly from 0.38 ± 0.12 to 0.05 ± 0.03 LogMAR (p < 0.001). At the follow-up, 83% of participants said they wore glasses regularly, and there were significant improvements in visibility in the classroom (91%), concentration (87%), and relief from headaches (82%). Conclusion: In Central India, refractive errors are very common among students. Significant visual, academic, and psychosocial benefits were obtained from spectacle correction, confirming the efficacy of school-based screening models. The results encourage district-level school health systems to continue integrating refractive-error services.