Visual impairment among weaving communities in Prakasam district in South India

To assess the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in weaving communities in Prakasam district in South India state of Andhra Pradesh. Using Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment (RAVI) methodology, a population based cross-sectional study was conducted. A two-stage sampling strategy was used to select 3000 participants aged ≥40 years. Visual Acuity (VA) was assessed using a tumbling E chart and ocular examinations were performed by trained Para medical ophthalmic personnel. A questionnaire was used to collect personal and demographic information. Blindness and moderate Visual Impairment (VI) was defined as presenting VA