Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9570
ISSN: 2155-9570
Syed Mohammad Didarul Alam
University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Clin Exp Ophthalmol
The purpose of this study was to fi nd out the ocular status, health seeking behaviors and barriers to uptake eye care services among children of slum community in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Th e study was conducted in several urban slums in Chittagong city, which is home of slum children. A total of 410 children were clinically examined. Th eir accompanying guardians were also interviewed for collecting health seeking behaviors and identifying the barriers, if any, to uptake eye care services. Th ree focus group discussions were held with guardians. Nearly 47.3% of the sampled children were male and 52.7% female. About 40% of children had diff erent ocular complaints, where we found 36.6% having some ocular abnormalities. Most of them (73%) had never seen an eye care specialist. About 89.6% of the respondents have normal visual acuity 6/6. Th e common ocular problems encountered were Refractive Error (26.7%), Allergic Conjunctivitis (21.3%), Blepharitis (16.0%), Squint (7.3%), Convergence Insuffi ciency (4.0%), Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (8.7%), Dacrocystitis (3.3%), Congenital Cataract (2.7%), Conjunctivitis (4.0%), Xerophthalmia (1.3%), microphthalmos (1.3%), Ocular FB (1.3%). Infrequently Entropin, Corneal Opacities, Retobulbar Neuritis, Retinal Detachment, Episcleritis, Scleritis, Chalazion, Stye were also present among children. About 4.9% children have night vision problem. About 16.8% of the children complained to have some abnormalities. It may be mentioned that any complaint does not mean that the children have abnormalities because they have not been assessed clinically. Many slum dwellers strongly believe about traditional treatment but most of the guardians (70%) know where to go for the treatment. However, the guardians of slum children cannot aff ord medical treatment due to their low fi nancial condition.
Syed Mohammad Didarul Alam is an Optometrist at Institute of Community Ophthalmology, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Recently He Completed his Bachelor of Optometry Degree. His research interests are Paediatric Optometry, Neuro Visual Science, Neuro-Optometry, Sports Vision, Community Eye Health, Low Vision, Contact lenses and Orthoptics.