Visual Status of Metis Children in Northern Saskatchewan

Theme: Global and public health ophthalmology
What: Global and public health ophthalmology
Part of: CAPHGO: Global Eye Care - Challenges beyond VISION 2020 with 2030 in Sight / CAPHGO: Soins oculaires mondiaux Défis au-delà de VISION 2020 avec 2030 en ligne de mire
When: 6/2/2024, 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Where: Room | Salle 714 B

Abstract

Purpose:  

Indigenous children often exhibit higher rates of avoidable vision impairment (VI) which can be partly attributed to limited access to eye care services. This study aims to report on the prevalence of VI in Metis children living in remote, underserved regions of northern Saskatchewan, Canada, as well as the feasibility of the expansion of the Indigenous Children eye Examination (ICEE) project as an eye care delivery model to improve access to eye care for Indigenous (First Nation, Metis and Innuit) communities across Canada. 

 

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review

 

Methods:

This study comprised of 50 Metis children, aged 1 year to 18 years of age. At least one comprehensive eye examination, including a cycloplegic refraction, was provided in Île-à-la-Crosse, SK in May 2023.   

 

Results: 

In Saskatchewan, 50 children (range 1-18 years, mean 8.1 years, median 8.0 years) received eye examinations. Of the 50 children examined, 38 (76%) received their first eye examination and 31 (62%) required prescription eyeglasses to improve their vision. Of the 100 eyes examined, 4 (8%) experienced mild VI, 2 (4%) experienced moderate VI, and 0 experienced severe VI. The prevalence of astigmatism was 47% (-0.50DC up to -5.00DC), myopia was 11% (-0.50DS up to -1.75DS), and hyperopia was 36% (+0.50DS up to +3.50DS). 

 

Conclusions:  

These findings suggest high rates of uncorrected refractive error, particularly astigmatism and highlights the urgent need to implement and expand eye care delivery models to improve vision care access for Indigenous children in remote communities across Canada. 

Presenter(s)

Presenting Author: Kourosh Sabri

Additional Author(s):

Yasmin Jindani, McMaster University

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