title: Visual function of children with visual and other disabilities in Oman: A case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We assessed visual functioning of the children with special needs in Oman between 2009 and 2012. We present the methods of assessing different visual functions, outcomes and interventions carried out to improve their functioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this case series type of study, optometrists assessed visual functions of children of "day care centers" in Oman. Experts further assessed them and provided low vision care. Ocular movements, refractive corrections, near, distance, contrast color, motion, field of vision and cognitive, visual function test results were noted. Feedback to caregivers was given to improving visual functioning of these children.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We grouped 321 participants, (196 (61.1%) boys, age range of 3-18 years) into 61; Down syndrome (DS), 72 with intellectual disabilities, 67; hearing impaired and 121 with other conditions. Refractive error and lag of accommodation was 26 (42.6%) and 14 (22.6%) among children with DS. Contrast sensitivity was impaired in 8 (12.7%) among hearing impaired children. Defective distant and near vision was in 162 (70%) and 104 (42%) of our cohort. Children with intellectual disability were most difficult to assess. Children in group of other disabilities" had a higher proportion of impaired visual functioning. They were given low vision aids (telescopes (22), filters (7) and magnifiers (3)) in large numbers compared to those in other groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outcomes of assessment of visual functioning of children with other disabilities show great variation and difficult to group. The care therefore should be individual. All visual functions cannot be assessed at one time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Research, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Urmi
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Gogri
authors.affiliation: Department of Research, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Salah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Al Harby
authors.affiliation: Department of Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Eye and Ear Health Care, Oman.
authors.forename: Rajiv
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Khandekar
keywords: Childhood blindness; low vision; visual functions