Awareness of childhood visual impairment

Abstract

Aim of the study The aim was to evaluate the level of awareness among parents and caregivers of visually impaired children. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study that was conducted on parents/caregivers of visually disabled children to assess their realization of visual impairment through a structured questionnaire. Results The respondents included 604 parents/caregivers of visually impaired children. The results revealed that 48% were mothers, 82.1% were college graduates, 26.4% were aware of the availability of visual impairment rehabilitation, 66.9% believed that early detection of the child visual impairment was family’s responsibility, and 57.1% thought that the environment plays a key role in forming these children’s personality. Overall, 93.4% agreed that the family’s culture and social awareness play a key role in avoiding psychological burden, 91.9% agreed that the proper awareness campaigns have a significant role in mitigation of the children’s psychological burden, and 91.9% agreed that these programs could have a positive effect of the children’s educational career. The primary source of information was through the ophthalmology clinic, as reported by 45.6% of participants. In addition, 84.9% believed that these children should join regular schools, and 96.2% agreed that providers of educational services should be trained. Moreover, 51.7% were aware of the presence of special schools for these children. Furthermore, 51.5% believed that with the help of the family and environment, children with visual impairment could adapt in the society, and 65.2% agreed that these children could lead an independent life. Conclusion Raising public awareness particularly among families about the childhood visual impairment is crucial to foster understanding and acceptance of children with visual impairment, so that they can face challenges, interact with community, adapt to their surrounding environment, and lead an independent life.