Uncorrected myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is among the most prevalent health problems for China’s school aged children. REAP has undertaken a number of studies to define the dimensions of the problem and identify cost effective solutions.
Prevalence rates of uncorrected vision rise over time.
In primary school, about 25% of children need glasses, but only 1 in 6 of these children has them. By junior high, 55% of children need glasses. That means that the prevalence of uncorrected vision grows as cohorts progress through the school system.
Glasses boost grades and reduce anxiety.
With glasses, myopic children learn roughly double over an academic year and experience a reduction in anxiety. It is possible that timely vision correction can also keep children in school at higher rates.
Lay screeners are essential for identifying myopic children.
Visual acuity tests are relatively simple to perform. With 45 minutes of training, teachers can screen an entire class in about an hour. That means by spending about 2 hours each year, teachers in China’s rural schools can identify vision problems.
Subsidized Vision Care
Glasses must be subsidized if children are to acquire and wear them. Uptake of subsidized glasses is 5 times higher than non-subsidized glasses. This uptake is even higher among left-behind children whose parents work far from home.
Pushing for Meaningful Change
REAP advocates for a sustainable and comprehensive screening, referral, and treatment model that we have implemented to great effect with our social enterprise. We also regularly push national authorities to include vision care into China’s rural health insurance plan. With the right tools in place, China’s rural myopia scourge is surmountable.
