Ms. Sruthy K, Ms. Nowfiya Nowshad N, Ms. Fidha Sherin P, Ms. Ajmiya S
INDIAN JOURNAL OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCE (IJAHS)
Volume 2,
Issue 2, 2026,
Pages 161 - 171
Background: Early detection and timely management of pediatric eye diseases are essential for preventing avoidable visual impairment and blindness. Parents and teachers play a crucial role in recognizing visual problems and facilitating appropriate eye care; however, awareness regarding common childhood eye diseases remains inadequately explored in Kerala.
Objective: To assess and compare the knowledge and attitudes of parents and teachers regarding common pediatric eye diseases in Kerala.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 400 participants, comprising 200 parents and 200 teachers. A structured online questionnaire was used to assess knowledge of amblyopia, congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma, and attitudes toward pediatric eye care practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative analysis.
Results: Knowledge regarding pediatric eye diseases was generally inadequate among both groups. Among parents, 87% demonstrated poor knowledge, while only 3% exhibited excellent knowledge. Teachers showed relatively better awareness, with 15% demonstrating excellent knowledge; however, 60% still had poor knowledge. Awareness of amblyopia was low among parents (37%) and teachers (36.5%). Knowledge regarding congenital glaucoma was particularly poor, with only 9.5% of parents and 18.5% of teachers correctly identifying the condition. Most participants recognized the importance of vision for academic performance, but routine eye examination practices and awareness of pediatric eye care remained limited.
Conclusion: Significant knowledge gaps regarding pediatric eye diseases exist among both parents and teachers in Kerala. Targeted awareness programs, teacher training initiatives, and school-based vision screening programs are needed to promote early detection and timely referral of children with visual disorders.
Pediatric eye diseases, childhood eye disorders, amblyopia awareness, congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma, pediatric eye health, parental awareness, teacher awareness, childhood blindness prevention, school eye health, vision screening, pediatric ophthalmology, Kerala eye health, childhood visual impairment, eye care awareness, optometry research, public health ophthalmology, Kerala parents and teachers, pediatric vision screening, ocular health education.
