Near visual impairment and spectacle coverage in Telangana, India

Importance The study highlights the burden of near visual impairment (NVI) in India. Background NVI is a common condition that can be addressed through provision of spectacles. The study aims to assess the prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage among those aged ≥40 years in south Indian state of Telangana. Design Population‐based cross‐sectional study using a rapid assessment methodology. Participants Five thousand one hundred forty participants enumerated from 123 clusters in two districts and have presenting distance visual acuity of ≥6/18 in the better eye. Methods Presenting near vision was assessed binocularly at a fixed distance of 40 cm using a log MAR chart with tumbling E optotypes in ambient lighting conditions. If the presenting near vision was worse than 6/12 (log MAR 0.3), then it was re‐assessed with addition lens appropriate to the age. NVI was defined as binocular presenting near vision worse than 6/12. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage. Results The mean age of the participants was 51.1 years (standard deviation: 9.3 years), and 46.5% (n = 2392) were women. About 80% (n = 4142) of them had no education, and 21.9% (n = 1126) were using spectacles for near vision. Nearly half of the participants were from Adilabad district (n = 2665). The prevalence of NVI was 58.3% (95% confidence interval: 56.9–59.6). NVI was associated with older age groups, male gender and no education. The spectacle coverage was 26.5%. Conclusions and relevance NVI is common in rural Telangana with low spectacle coverage. Service delivery programs should use a multi‐pronged approach to address the burden of NVI.