Population density and refractive error among Chinese children.

Purpose: China is urbanizing rapidly, and the prevalence of myopia is high. This study was conducted to identify the reasons for observed differences in the prevalence of myopia among urban versus rural Chinese children.

Methods: All children with uncorrected acuity of 6/12 or worse and a 50% random sample of children with vision better than 6/12 at all secondary schools in mixed rural-urban Liangying Township, Guangdong, underwent cycloplegic refraction, and provided data on age, gender, parental education, weekly near work and time outdoors, and urban development level of respondents' neighborhoods (12-item questionnaire).

Impact of cataract screening outreach in rural China.

Purpose: To examine differences between patients with cataract detected during screening and presenting to clinic in rural China.

Methods: Subjects were recruited from 27 screenings and an eye clinic in the same town. All had pinhole-corrected vision < or =6/18 in > or =1 eye due to ophthalmologist-diagnosed cataract.

Visual morbidity due to inaccurate spectacles among school children in rural China: the See Well to Learn Well Project, report 1.

Purpose: Inadequately corrected refractive error is the leading cause of visual disability among children in China; inaccurate spectacles are a potential cause. The prevalence and visual impact of spectacle inaccuracy were studied among rural, secondary-school children, to determine the optimal timing for updating of refraction.

Methods: A random sample of children from years 1 and 2 in all junior and senior high schools in Fuyang Township, Guangdong Province, underwent ocular examination.

[Analysis of the methods and effects of cataract surgeries in the poor areas].

Purpose: To evaluate the effective method for the vision rehabilitation for cataract patients in the poor countryside in mountain areas.

Methods: To review and analyze the method by the Lee Karsing Foundation for vision rehabilitation since November 1998.

Results: Until December 2002, 10,569 people got free treatment, 1,164 cataract patients regained their vision after free surgery.