AbstractAim: To determine the prevalence of ocular morbidity among orphanages and to manage ocular problems encountered among children. Materials and Methods: A Cross sectional study was carried out at two orphanages in Hubli, Karnataka. A total of 80 children aged less < 15 years were examined after informed consent from the owner of orphanages. History was taken and visual acuity, ocular examination, retinoscopy and fundoscopy was done on all children. Results: A total of 80 children were examined from two orphanages in Hubli. Percentage of ocular morbidity was found to be 38.75%. The two main causes of ocular morbidity among children were refractive errors (22.5%) and vitamin ‘A’ deficiency (7.5%). Blepharitis was found among 3 children (3.75%) and pthyriasis among 2 children (2.5%). Nebular grade corneal opacity and acute infective conjunctivitis each was found among one child. Conclusion: Percentage of ocular morbidity in this study is significant. This study strongly suggest that screening of orphanage children for ocular problems should be done at regular intervals.
Keywords: Prevalence; Ocular morbidity; Orphanages; Refractive errors.