Optometry & Visual Performance 139 Volume 14 | Issue 2 | June 2026 Article • Investigating the Factors that Hinder School-Based Vision Screening Programs at Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Nigeria Daniel Ayodele Femi, OD • University of Benin • Edo, Nigeria Okechukwu Clinton Ifeanyi, OD • University of Benin • Edo, Nigeria ABSTRACT Background: Many children worldwide experience vision impairment, much of which is preventable with early intervention. School-based vision screening programs are vital for early detection and improved academic performance. However, in countries like Nigeria, these programs often face challenges, such as poor awareness, limited resources, and low stakeholder involvement. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, barriers, and benefits of school-based vision screening programs in Egor LGA, focusing on identifying actionable strategies for improvement. Methods: A 14-question survey was conducted among 291 respondents, including students, teachers, administrators, and parents. The questionnaire assessed the frequency of vision screenings, barriers to implementation, perceived benefits, and recommendations for enhancing program participation. Results: Most respondents (79.7%) reported that no vision screenings had been conducted in their schools over the past year. The frequency varied among the schools conducting screenings, with only 1.7% performing screenings more than twice annually. Key barriers included a lack of awareness (33.7%), a lack of resources (23.7%), and a perceived Introduction Vision is a crucial sense for learning and development, particularly for children who depend on their eyesight to acquire knowledge and skills. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 19 million children worldwide are visually impaired, with 12 million experiencing conditions that could be prevented or treated.1 Unaddressed vision problems can adversely affect academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. Early detection and treatment of vision issues lead to better educational outcomes and improved quality of life for students.2,3 One strategy to address this problem is schoolbased vision screening (SBVS), a process designed to identify children with potential vision problems and refer them to appropriate eye care services.4 SBVS is widely recognized as an effective, cost-efficient, and feasible intervention, especially in low- and middleincome countries, where access to eye care is often limited.5 Schools provide an ideal setting for vision screening due to their accessibility and ability to reach large populations of children who may not otherwise receive regular eye examinations.4,6 Daniel Ayodele Femi, OD Edo, Nigeria Doctor of Optometry, University of Benin. Work emphasis, school-based vision screening, rural eye care, preventable blindness, health education, and community eye health programs. Supported school- and communitybased health interventions across Edo, Lagos, and Delta States, with experience in vision screening, outreach coordination, stakeholder engagement, and health communication. lack of need (19.9%). Despite these challenges, respondents highlighted significant benefits, such as early detection of vision problems (49.5%) and improved academic performance (22.0%). Recommended strategies for improvement included increasing awareness campaigns (35.1%) and providing additional resources (25.1%). Conclusion: The findings reveal critical gaps in the prevalence and consistency of school-based vision screening programs. Addressing barriers through targeted awareness, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement can significantly enhance their implementation, leading to improved vision health and student educational outcomes. Keywords: school-basеd programmemеs, students, vision-scrееning
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