Refractive errors constitute one of the leading causes of preventable visual impairment and childhood blindness globally. Uncorrected refractive errors not only affect academic performance but also hinder social and psychological development. The present cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Saraswati Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, during the year 2015, to assess the prevalence and pattern of refractive errors among school-going children in semi-urban areas. A total of 1,000 students aged 6–16 years from five randomly selected schools were screened. Visual acuity was assessed using a Snellen’s chart at 6 meters. Students with uncorrected visual acuity worse than 6/9 in either eye were further evaluated with retinoscopy, cycloplegic refraction, and fundus examination. A refractive error was defined as myopia (≥ -0.50 D), hypermetropia (≥ +1.00 D), or astigmatism (≥ ±0.75 D). The study revealed an overall prevalence of refractive errors of 21.8%. Myopia was the most common refractive error, observed in 12.4%, followed by astigmatism in 6.3% and hypermetropia in 3.1% of students. The prevalence was higher among girls (23.5%) compared to boys (20.2%), and showed a significant increase with age and educational grade (p < 0.05). Moreover, children with a positive family history of refractive errors exhibited a notably higher risk (28%). The study concludes that refractive errors remain a significant but easily correctable cause of visual disability among school children in India. Implementation of school vision screening programs, periodic eye check-ups, and availability of affordable corrective spectacles are vital for the early detection and management of refractive errors, thereby improving academic potential and quality of life among children.

Refractive Errors, Myopia, Hypermetropia, Astigmatism, School Children, Visual Impairment, Vision Screening, Ophthalmology, Spectacle Correction