Lag in optimal optical correction of urban elementary school students in Taiwan

The occurrence of the lag in optimal optical correction was investigated in three geographically different urban elementary schools in Taiwan. The results showed that among the schools in Tamsui (N=606), Taichung (N=702), and Tainan (N=586), Tainan had the highest proportion of students with correction (47.9% of all students), followed by Taichung (26.2%), and Tamsui (20.8%). Tamsui appeared to have the most lag in optimal correction: 55.3% needed further correction, yet only 20.8% had been corrected, or a lag of 34.5%. In contrast, the lag in Tainan and Taichung was 16.3% and 28.9%, respectively. Based on linear regression analysis, the lag or unmet needs could result in the worsening of myopia. To reduce the lag, follow up with the parents after student vision screening was supplemented with public health education or direct provision of any optical devices to the students.