Categorization of desk positions and the minimum and average distance visual acuity demand (Mean±SD (range)) at different desk positions in 33 classrooms.

<p>Categorization of desk positions and the minimum and average distance visual acuity demand (Mean±SD (range)) at different desk positions in 33 classrooms.</p

Average letter size, viewing distance and visual acuity demand, and comparison between different grades (grade 4 to 8 and grade 9 to 12 group) and schools (n = 8) in 33 classrooms.

<p>Average letter size, viewing distance and visual acuity demand, and comparison between different grades (grade 4 to 8 and grade 9 to 12 group) and schools (n = 8) in 33 classrooms.</p

Comparison of variables in measured 33 classrooms to the Indian Government standard recommendations.

<p>Comparison of variables in measured 33 classrooms to the Indian Government standard recommendations.</p

Do school classrooms meet the visual requirements of children and recommended vision standards?

<div><p>Background</p><p>Visual demands of school children tend to vary with diverse classroom environments. The study aimed to evaluate the distance and near Visual Acuity (VA) demand in Indian school classrooms and their comparison with the recommended vision standards.</p><p>Materials and methods</p><p>The distance and near VA demands were assessed in 33 classrooms (grades 4 to 12) of eight schools. The VA threshold demand relied on the smallest size of distance and near visual task material and viewing distance. The logMAR equivalents of minimum VA demand at specific seating positions (desk) and among different grades were evaluated. The near threshold was converted into actual near VA demand by including the acuity reserve. The existing dimensions of chalkboard and classroom, gross area in a classroom per student and class size in all the measured classrooms were compared to the government recommended standards.</p><p>Results</p><p>In 33 classrooms assessed (35±10 students per room), the average distance and near logMAR VA threshold demand was 0.31±0.17 and 0.44±0.14 respectively. The mean distance VA demand (minimum) in front desk position was 0.56±0.18 logMAR. Increased distance threshold demand (logMAR range -0.06, 0.19) was noted in 7 classrooms (21%). The mean VA demand in grades 4 to 8 and grades 9 to 12 was 0.35±0.16 and 0.24±0.16 logMAR respectively and the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.055). The distance from board to front desk was greater than the recommended standard of 2.2m in 27 classrooms (82%). The other measured parameters were noted to be different from the proposed standards in majority of the classrooms.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>The study suggests the inclusion of task demand assessment in school vision screening protocol to provide relevant guidance to school authorities. These findings can serve as evidence to accommodate children with mild to moderate visual impairment in the regular classrooms.</p></div

Box plot representing the comparison of minimum distance visual acuity demand at different desk positions (front, middle and last row) between grades 4 to 8 and grades 9 to 12.

<p>Box plot representing the comparison of minimum distance visual acuity demand at different desk positions (front, middle and last row) between grades 4 to 8 and grades 9 to 12.</p