Maden A1

1Global Eye Hospital

Biography:

Asmita Maden is a Nepali optometrist / Ocularist and community eye health advocate with over six years of experience in school-based myopia prevention and vision screening. She leads Eye Health Coach Nepal, an initiative implementing hybrid (virtual and offline) awareness programs in collaboration with schools, hospitals, and NGOs. Her work focuses on promoting early detection, preventive education, and sustainable eye health strategies for children in underserved communities.

Abstract:

Purpose:

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of virtual and offline eye health awareness programs with traditional school-based vision screening in controlling myopia among school-aged children in Nepal. The objectives were to enhance knowledge of myopia prevention, encourage protective behaviors, and improve early detection of refractive errors.

Methods:

A six-month intervention was conducted in ten schools involving students aged 6–15 years. Schools were divided into two groups:

1. Awareness Intervention Group – received virtual and offline eye health education sessions focusing on myopia prevention, healthy visual habits, and lifestyle modification.

2. Screening Group – underwent conventional school-based visual acuity screening for refractive error detection.

Pre- and post-intervention surveys measured awareness levels, while screening data assessed the prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors and follow-up attendance for corrective services. Data were analyzed descriptively.

Results:

A total of 2,450 students participated. Awareness of myopia prevention increased significantly from 32% at baseline to 78% post-intervention in the awareness program group. Offline vision screening identified uncorrected refractive errors in 18% of students, with 85% completing follow-up optometric evaluations. Both strategies demonstrated effectiveness in improving eye health outcomes; however, the combined awareness and screening approach showed greater potential for sustainable myopia control.

Conclusions:

Virtual and offline awareness programs significantly enhance preventive knowledge and behavioral change, while school-based screening effectively detects existing refractive errors. Integrating both interventions provides a comprehensive and sustainable model for controlling myopia and improving child eye health in rural and resource-limited settings.