A survey of visual impairment in children attending the Royal Blind School, Edinburgh using the WHO childhood visual impairment database

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the aetiology and changing patterns of childhood blindness in one school for the blind in the UK and to assess the use of the World Health Organisation Prevention of Blindness (WHO/PBL) methodology and reporting form in a developed country.

Methods: One hundred and seven children in one school for the blind and visually impaired in Edinburgh were examined using the WHO/PBL childhood blindness assessment form.

Results: Of the 107 children examined, 87 (81%) were blind or severely visually impaired (corrected visual acuity of <6/60 (20/200) in the better eye). Perinatal related blindness (40%), hereditary disease (26%) and developmental factors (26%) formed the three largest aetiological categories.

Conclusion: The pattern of childhood blindness seen in this study was similar to reports from other developed countries. The WHO/PBL reporting form allows detailed comparisons between countries and over time. Additional fields for more detailed reporting of cerebral visual impairment and associated handicaps would increase the usefulness of the WHO/PBL form for population-based studies and for use in developed countries.