Clientele profile of early intervention services: a focus on eye health

Abstract Objectives: To describe and analyze the profile of children with developmental disorders treated at early intervention services (IP) and their mothers or caregivers, focusing on aspects related to the child's ocular health. Methods: Quantitative survey, exploratory-descriptive. The data collection instrument consisted of a questionnaire applied with mothers or caregivers of children assisted in IP services. The data were transcribed in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed based on simple descriptive statistics. The sample consisted of 273 subjects. Results: There was a prevalence of mothers (84.2%) between 30 and 40 years old (38.8%). The children were between 1 and 2 years of age (34.8%), and, for the most part, with Down's Syndrome (26.7%). The mean age of entry of children in IP services was 7.93 months and the age at first consultation with the ophthalmologist - of those who had already performed (82.8%) - was 6.8 months, with 45,6% presented ophthalmological alterations, predominating strabismus (40.8%). Conclusions: The results obtained allowed the identification and characterization of mothers or caregivers and children attending IP services, especially in questions related to ocular health. Understanding this scenario should support actions aimed at ocular health education, prevention and rehabilitation and should be directed to IP services, managers, families and children.