Frequency of Visual Impairment Among School Children and Effectiveness of mHealth Referral Reminder on Uptake of Referral Services

Launched by SYED FAWAD MASHHADI · Sep 24, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how often school children experience visual problems, like trouble seeing clearly, and whether a mobile health reminder can help them get the care they need. The trial will take place in Rawalpindi, where children from low to middle-income families attend Federal Government schools. Researchers want to find out if sending text message reminders to parents or guardians of visually impaired children increases the number of kids who visit the hospital for eye check-ups. The main goal is to see how many referred children actually go to the hospital within eight weeks of being identified as needing help.

To participate, children must be between 5 and 15 years old and have their parents' permission to join. It's also important that their parents own a smartphone since the reminders will be sent via text. Children who are already diagnosed with vision issues or have visible eye problems won’t be included. If a child is found to have a vision problem during the screening, their family will receive a referral form and get text reminders to encourage them to visit the hospital for further evaluation. This study aims to make it easier for families to access eye care and help raise awareness about vision health in their communities.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • All pupils falling in age bracket of 5 to 15 years
• • Parents' consent in writing on the given consent form timely submitted to teachers
• • Parents having smart phone is mandatory for child's participation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children who are already diagnosed with any visual impairment
• • Child with any apparent eye pathology (conjunctivitis, red eye, ocular trauma, trachoma)