Visual Status of First Nations Children: The Sagamok First Nation Vision Care Project

Abstract

Comprehensive eye examinations were provided to the students of the Sagamok First Nation Biidaaban Kinoomaagamik Elementary School in October 2012. Refractive findings indicated a high prevalence of with-the­-rule astigmatism which decreased with age and a low prevalence of hyperopia in all age groups. The prevalence of myopia increased with age. Higher rates of amblyopia and strabismus than previously reported in studies of Canadian Aboriginal children were found. Vision correction was provided to all children, where required. A low rate of compliance with spectacle wear was found at follow-up, seven months later.