Seeing the Future: Community-Based Vision Screening and Eye Health Education for Preschool Children in Papua, Indonesia

Elisa Nugraha Haryadi Salakay; Grace Fitriana Primasari Hau Mahu; Samuel Octovianus Dimara; Maryam Kathrien Labobar; Eka Dian Ayu Agustina Fatem

doi:10.55927/jpmb.v5i1.577

Authors

Elisa Nugraha Haryadi Salakay Universitas Cendrawasih Jayapura
Grace Fitriana Primasari Hau Mahu Universitas Cenderawasih
Samuel Octovianus Dimara Universitas Cenderawasih
Maryam Kathrien Labobar Universitas Cenderawasih
Eka Dian Ayu Agustina Fatem Universitas Cenderawasih

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/jpmb.v5i1.577

Keywords:

Preschool Vision Screening, Refractive Errors, Strabismus, Early Childhood Development, Community-Based Health Intervention.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a low-cost, community-based preschool vision screening and eye health education program in Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia, addressing limited early detection in low-resource settings. The program assessed visual acuity, ocular alignment, and anterior segment conditions using smartphone-based Snellen testing, Hirschberg, cover tests, and penlight examination among 29 children aged 3–6 years from two early childhood centers during a single screening period. Results showed subnormal visual acuity in 20.7% of children, suspected strabismus in 3.4–6.9%, and one case of epiblepharon. Educational outreach successfully engaged parents and teachers. The findings demonstrate that simple screening integrated with education is feasible and supports early identification and public health integration of preschool eye care programs.

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