Under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), free spectacles are provided to school children with refractive errors. According to NPCBVI guidelines, what is the minimum refractive error in spherical equivalent that qualifies a school child for free spectacle distribution?

• A +/- 0.50 dioptre in either eye
• B +/- 1.00 dioptre in either eye ✓
• C +/- 1.50 dioptre in either eye
• D +/- 2.00 dioptre in either eye

Explanation

Under NPCBVI school eye screening guidelines, children with a refractive error of +/- 1.00 dioptre or more in either eye are eligible for free spectacle distribution. This threshold ensures children with functionally significant refractive errors receive correction. Lower thresholds (0.50 D) would include too many children without functional impairment, while higher thresholds would miss children who need correction.

Reference: NPCBVI Programme Guidelines, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, 2017 ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.