A STUDY TO DETERMINE VISUAL DISABILITY IN A TERTIARY EYE CARE CENTRE IN STATE OF ODISHA

Objective:- to determine visual disability in a tertiary eye care centre in state of Odisha. Introduction:- The minimum degree of disability should be 40% for an individual to avail benefits. Prevention of visual impairment and rehabilitation of visually impaired requires data regarding incidence and etiologies of blindness. Materials and methods:- This was a cross- sectional study done in weekly basis for a period of 2 years from April 2015 to March 2017. Study involved 109 patients with visual disability of 30% or above. The percentage of disability was calculated based on the guidelines for the evaluation of various disabilities and procedure for certification. Results:- 185 eyes of 109 patients were disabled. Male to female ratio was 1.94: 1. 32.1% patients were 100% disabled. 40% disabled persons were more in number i.e. 37.6%. Age range was 7- 50 years with mean age of 23.29 ? 7.34 years. Amblyopia was the most common cause of visual disability. 55.7% patients had some congenital and developmental anomalies. Conclusion:- Male and young adults were more in number. Amblyopia was the most common cause.