Research

The study aimed to assess the proportion of schoolchildren with uncorrected refractive errors who could benefit from ready-made spectacles as an affordable solution in a school-based program in the Bongo District of Ghana. Out of 1,705 children aged 12–15 years, 30 (1.8%) were eligible for refractive correction, and 26 (86.7%) of them were found to be eligible for ready-made spectacles. A significant portion of students had refractive errors that could be corrected using ready-made spectacles. The study used "ready-to-clip" spectacles that allowed for correction of unequal refractive power in each eye (up to ±1.00 dioptres). The time taken to dispense ready-made spectacles was slightly longer than custom-made spectacles due to power calculations but still quicker when considering the time required to order and deliver custom-made spectacles. The findings suggest that ready-made spectacles could be a valuable alternative for addressing refractive errors in children, particularly in areas where custom-made spectacles are not readily available or affordable. There was no significant difference in eligibility between male and female students. Further research across different regions of Ghana may provide more insights into the suitability of ready-made spectacles in addressing the refractive needs of schoolchildren.