Evaluation of the impact of an optometric intervention on vision-related quality of life in two educational institutions in the Cartagena District in 2023

Evaluación del impacto de una intervención optométrica en la calidad de vida relacionada con la visión en dos Instituciones Educativas del Distrito de Cartagena en el año 2023

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of an optometric intervention on vision-related quality of life in students from two educational institutions in the Cartagena district, Colombia. Methods: A quasi-experimental before-and-after study was conducted. Sixty-seven students aged 8-15 years with visual correction needs were included. The intervention consisted of visual hygiene education and the provision of corrective lenses. The NEI VFQ-25 Scale was administered one month after the intervention. McNemar’s test was applied to analyze significant changes. Results: Significant improvements were observed across multiple domains. Moderate difficulty in reading text decreased from 25.4% to 4.5% (95% CI: 12.5- 29.3%; p=0.0001). Difficulty in finding objects on shelves decreased significantly (95% CI: 7.8-32.2%; p=0.004). The sensation of frustration decreased significantly (95% CI: 3.7-17.3%; p=0.002), with 85% of participants reporting no frustration after the intervention. Conclusions: The optometric intervention demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving vision-related quality of life, with positive changes in visual function, autonomy, and emotional well-being among students.