The Prevalence of Reduced Visual Acuity among Standard Three Pupils in Dodoma City, Tanzania: Findings from a School-Based Screening

Abstract

Reduced visual acuity (RVA) is a frequently overlooked barrier to learning in early primary grades, despite its well-documented impact on children’s reading performance and overall academic development. This study assessed the prevalence of RVA among Standard Three pupils aged 8–10 years in a public primary school in Dodoma City, Tanzania, where evidence on visual health in early primary learners is limited. A quantitative, cross-sectional, school-based vision screening design was employed. All 200 pupils present during data collection were screened using the standardized LEA Symbols Chart under controlled classroom lighting conditions. Visual acuity below 6/12 was classified as reduced in accordance with international vision screening guidelines. The findings revealed that 35 pupils (17.5%) had reduced visual acuity, indicating that nearly one in six pupils may experience vision-related learning challenges. Boys showed a slightly higher prevalence (54.3%) than girls (45.7%), and the highest proportion occurred among eight-year-old pupils (42.9%). These results suggest a relatively higher burden of RVA compared with findings from several African and high-income settings, highlighting the vulnerability of primary school learners in urban Tanzanian contexts. The study concludes that unaddressed RVA poses a significant challenge to equitable learning opportunities and recommends integrating routine vision screening into school health programs, strengthening referral mechanisms, raising teacher awareness, and improving access to corrective interventions to support inclusive and effective primary education.