[Vision saved: the first four years of the pediatric ophthalmology screening program of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta - Part II.].

INTRODUCTION

Amblyopia is one of the most common causes of preventable permanent visual impairment in childhood; its prevention requires early detection and targeted treatment. Children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged settlements have markedly limited access to ophthalmic care and are therefore at increased risk.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to present the outcomes achieved during the first four years (2020-2023) of the pediatric ophthalmology screening program of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta in the detection, prevention, and treatment of amblyopia, including the effectiveness of refractive correction, occlusion therapy, and surgical interventions.

METHODS

A total of 19,724 children from 127 settlements participated in a two-step ophthalmic screening program. Amblyopia was defined based on best-corrected visual acuity and amblyogenic refractive risk factors. Treatment outcomes were evaluated by analyzing spectacle compliance, occlusion therapy, and postoperative follow-up. Data were derived from examinations conducted between 2020 and 2023, supplemented by available follow-up and surgical data from 2024.

RESULTS

The prevalence of amblyopia was 4.9% (960 children). Spectacle correction alone resulted in complete visual acuity recovery in 60% of the affected children. Occlusion therapy was initiated in 206 cases, with verified patch compliance in 20%. Among compliant children, 57% showed at least one-line improvement, with a mean gain of three to four lines of visual acuity. During the study period, 14 deprivation-eliminating surgeries (cataract, ptosis) and 30 strabismus surgeries were performed, leading to significant functional and/or aesthetic improvement.

DISCUSSION: The program substantially contributes to early amblyopia detection and achieves measurable improvements across multiple therapeutic modalities. The main limiting factors are poor patient compliance, restricted access to screening and follow-up care, and adverse social circumstances.

CONCLUSION

The screening program effectively reduces the risk of untreated amblyopia among children living in disadvantaged settlements. Increasing the frequency of follow-up examinations, improving data management, and involving local healthcare professionals are expected to further enhance treatment success and increase the number of visions saved. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(32): 1277-1287.