Childhood blindness.

Eighty five visually handicapped children who attended the eye department were assessed. The children had a mean age of 3.6 years--range 0.3-14.7 years. The aetiological factors for severe visual handicap (visual acuity less than 3/60) were evaluated into prenatal factors; factors operating at birth and the immediate perinatal period; or factors operating in childhood. Genetic counselling and improvements in the management of pre-term infants is recommended in the reduction of childhood blindness. A national computerised childhood blind register should be established.