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Cross-sectional study on prevalence, causes and avoidable causes of visual impairment in Māori children

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 46
Authors:
  • Chong C, Dai S
Summary:

Data were retrospectively analysed from 106 blind and 64 low-vision Māori children (<16 years) enrolled with the Blind and Low Vision Education Network New Zealand (BLENNZ). The leading causes of blindness in Māori children are cerebral visual impairment (41.0%), optic nerve atrophy (19.0%) and optic nerve hypoplasia (13.0%). Avoidable causes of blindness for Māori children amounts to 28.5% of Māori childhood blindness; non-accidental injury (NAI) is the leading cause of blindness in Māori children.

Comment:
This project is framed within “The Right to Sight” programme, a global initiative of WHO and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, established with an aim to eliminate avoidable childhood blindness by the year 2020. As the authors say, strategies to address NAI as an ‘avoidable cause’ for blindness and low vision will be multi-faceted. The authors also highlight the need to address perinatal care, given the fact that for the majority of Māori children with blindness/low vision, its onset is at birth.
Reference: N Z Med J 2013;126(1379):31-8
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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