AIM: To determine the pattern of ocular morbidity among preschool children at urban area of Chittagong.

METHODS: A random cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of ocular morbidity among preschool children in the urban area of Chittagong. Preschool children aged 4 to 6 years old in all 60 preschools were registered, interviewed and their eyes examined. All the data obtained was analyzed according to the sex, age, and causes of visual impairment and type of ocular diseases.

RESULTS: A total of 900 preschool children from 60 preschools were examined where boys were(52.6%)more than girls(47.4%). The age range of students varied from 4 to 6 years. The mean and median ages were 5.47±0.64. About 16.89% ocular morbidity was found among preschool going children and of these abnormalities 7.66% of children have Refractive error followed by Conjunctivitis 3.66%, Blepharitis 2.77%, Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction(NDO)1.66%, Infective conjunctivitis was 0.88%, Stye 0.33%, Chalazion 0.44%. Amblyopia was present in 1.11%, Strabismus in 0.77%, Development Cataract 0.11%, and Corneal Opacity in 0.33% cases which was a matter of concern.

CONCLUSION: Ocular morbidity among preschool children can be easily identified by ongoing eye screening programs and if treated timely to reduce the prevalence of ocular diereses and visual impairment. The present study shows uncorrected refractive errors as the main cause of visual disability in preschool children.