Original study reprint requests: Dr R Bowman, CCBRT Disability Hospital, PO Box 23310, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. E-mail address: richardandruthbowman@ gmail.com. Research Objective To investigate the prevalence and causes of optic neuropathy, reported as epidemic in 1997, among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Study Design Population-based study. Location Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Funding Source The British Council for the Prevention of Blindness (BCPB). Relevant Methodology First year students (n= 10,892) from 63 secondary schools located within 30 km from the base hospital were interviewed and had a visual acuity (VA) screening test. Students failing the 6/12 line in either eye were defined as having "poor eyesight" and referred to the base hospital where an optometrist retested VA and refracted them. An ophthalmologist examined students with VA of 6/12 or worse in either eye and visual impairment was defined as VA of worse than 6/12 with best correction. Associations between optic neuropathy, socioeconomic status, and educational results were investigated.
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