Visual function of children with visual and other disabilities in Oman: A case series

BACKGROUND: We assessed the visual functioning of the children with special needs in Oman between 2009 and 2012. We present the methods of assessing different visual functions, outcomes, and interventions carried out to improve their functioning. METHODS: Optometrists assessed visual functions of children of “Day care centres” in Oman. Experts further assessed them and provided low vision care. Ocular movements, refractive corrections, near, distance, contrast color, motion, field of vision, and cognitive visual function test results were noted. Feedback to caregivers was given to improve visual functioning of these children. RESULTS: We grouped 321 participants, (196 [61.1%] boys, age range of 3–18 years) into 61; Down syndrome (DS), 72 with intellectual disabilities (IDs), 67; hearing impaired and 121 with other conditions. Refractive error and lag of accommodation were 26 (42.6%) and 14 (22.6%) among children with DS. Contrast sensitivity was impaired in 8 (12.7%) among hearing impaired children. Defective distant and near vision was in 162 (70%) and 104 (42%) of our cohort. Children with ID were most difficult to assess. Children in a group of other disabilities had a higher proportion of impaired visual functioning. They were given low vision aids (telescopes [22], filters [7], and magnifiers [3]) in large numbers compared to those in other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Visual functioning of children with other disabilities show great variation and difficult to group. The care, therefore, should be at individual level. All visual functions cannot be assessed at one time.