Prevalence of refractive error among Dongarias and use of Folding Phoropter (FoFo) as a field device enabling implementation research in this indigenous community. Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study (TOES) Report # 13.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error (URE) among Dongarias-a particularly vulnerable tribal group in Rayagada, Odisha, India and evaluate if folding phoropter (FoFo) can help achieve on-site correction of URE.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. FoFo was used for people with URE. Spherical equivalent (SE) spectacles based on the FoFo refraction were dispensed when distance visual acuity improved to > 6/12. Others were referred to fixed eye centres. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the relationship of URE with sociodemographic characters and factors predicting acceptance of FoFo.

RESULTS

In the study, 7.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]:7-8) people had URE, and included 4% with severe vision impairment and 36% with moderate visual impairment. URE was less common in children. Simple hyperopia was more common in females (25.3% vs 19.3%); compound myopic astigmatism was more common in males (27.4% vs 20.2%). People older than 50 years (p <0.0001) and females (p <0.0001) were more likely to have URE. Ninety-four people accepted FoFo on-site refraction and received SE spectacles; the acceptance was better in the younger (15-29 years old) and literate people (p <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

URE was the second most common cause of visual impairment in older adults and was higher in females. Within its technological limit, FoFo could be used in the field for correcting URE and obviating the need for travel, thus bridging the know-do gap for the marginalised Dongaria community.