Effect of providing free glasses on children's educational outcomes in China: cluster randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess the effect of provision of free glasses on academic performance in rural Chinese children with myopia.

Design

Cluster randomized, investigator masked, controlled trial.

Setting

252 primary schools in two prefectures in western China, 2012-13.

Participants

3177 of 19,934 children in fourth and fifth grades (mean age 10.5 years) with visual acuity <6/12 in either eye without glasses correctable to >6/12 with glasses. 3052 (96.0%) completed the study.

Interventions

Children were randomized by school (84 schools per arm) to one of three interventions at the beginning of the school year: prescription for glasses only (control group), vouchers for free glasses at a local facility, or free glasses provided in class.

Main outcome measures<

SUBMITTER: Ma X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4172821 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature