Avaliação da acuidade visual em escolares do 1.º ao 5.º ano do ensino fundamental na Escola Municipal Presidente Castelo Branco, em Currais Novos- RN

Abstract

This study evaluated visual acuity in elementary school students from the 1st to 5th grades at Presidente Castelo Branco Municipal School in Currais Novos, RN, following the guidelines of the Brazilian Ophthalmology Society and using the Snellen chart. In the study, 231 children aged 6 to 16 years, who were regularly enrolled in elementary school, were assessed. Of these, 64.5% were female and 35.5% were male. A total of 34 children with visual deficit problems were identified, with 29 having refractive errors, 4 having strabismus, and 1 having amblyopia. Out of the 34 students with reduced acuity, 5 were referred with priority observation for specialized care due to a high degree of visual impairment. Sixteen students were classified with moderate impairment, and 13 children with mild impairment. Of the 34 students referred to the ophthalmologist, 19 had access through the municipal regulation system for appointments within the municipality, another 8 underwent consultations at the Ophthalmology outpatient clinic of the Multicampi School of Medical Sciences in Caicó, and 7 children sought care from private services. None of the 34 students received a recommendation for surgical procedures. The importance of the family health team's work in the implementation of School Health, early identification of vision problems in this population, and its contribution to improved visual and intellectual performance of students became evident. This study also highlights the need to strengthen the healthcare network, with special attention to expanding access to specialized ophthalmology consultations, to ensure that Primary Healthcare fulfills its role as the coordinator of care, and that the population's right to healthcare is guaranteed at all levels of care.