Lebanese refractive amblyopia risk factors within school systems
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe

This study investigated the frequency and types of refractive amblyogenic risk factors in a community-based cohort of Lebanese children aged 3–6 years with comparison of public and private school students. The study included 990 students (1980 eyes): 278 public and 712 private schools. Overall, there were 51.9% females but there were more males in private than public schools (51.8% vs. 46.4%). More students were 4 years or older in public schools (89%) than private (77%). Overall, 17.6% required referral (13.6% from private schools vs. 27.7% from public schools). Of those referred, 18.4% wore glasses. Average myopia was -3.03 ±1.37D and average hypermetropia was +3.50 ±0.43D. The authors conclude the referral rate after automated vision screening in young school children was high at almost one-fifth. Prevalence of astigmatism was highest, then myopia and then hypermetropia. This was higher for public than private school children. Differences within regions in Lebanon were also found.

Refractive amblyogenic risk factors in private and public school children. 
Ghannam AB, Slim A, AlHassan S, et al.
STRABISMUS
2025;33(3):137–44.