Title : Results of Operation Klaro Phase 2: Extent of Low-Vision Disability (LVD) in Rural Mindanao Philippines
Abstract:
Background
The risk of developing low-vision disability (LVD) in all population begins in the womb as the fetus develops its neurobiology. There has been no single recommendation for the screening of LVD among infants, children, and adults as attention to this case in the practice of family and community medicine is of less impact.
Objective
The author determined the epidemiologic extent of LVD in terms of its prevalence rate, distribution, types and/or categories, burden of disability, and cost-implications in a rural area in Mindanao Philippines.
Method
A prospective-descriptive analysis of 26,412 records of patients from Mission Family Infirmary Vision Center over the period from November 2024 to December 2025 was performed. Gathered information included age, gender, activity of daily living, altitude of abode, category of LVD, burden of the disease, and costs incurred in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the disability.
Results
The prevalence rate of LVD is »2% with a mean age of 9.6 years (ranging 3 months - 74). Most respondents have Category 1 LVD with school-age group being mostly affected (>50.0%). Seventy-seven (77%) of the respondents reported affected ADL’s as to schooling and the burden of the disease was high relative to a decreased school performance. Seventy-nine percent (79%) sought consult for diagnosis spending an amount between Php 4000.00 to 10,000.00 while 97% and 94% did not seek treatment and rehabilitation, respectively, due to lack of facilities in the entire Philippines.
