Pattern of Refractive Errors Among Children Attending Eye Clinics in Jos, Plateau State

Uncorrected refractive errors are a major cause of preventable visual impairment in children and can lead to lifelong functional limitations if not detected early. This study documents the pattern of refractive errors among pediatric patients attending eye clinics in Jos, Plateau State, which is in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone. A retrospective cross-sectional study design will be adopted, analyzing clinical records of children aged 5 to 16 years who attended the Jos University Teaching Hospital eye clinic over a five-year period. Data extracted will include age, sex, presenting visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction results, and diagnosis. Refractive errors will be classified into myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia. Descriptive statistics will summarize the data, and chi-square tests will be used to assess gender and age group differences. It is expected that hyperopia and astigmatism will be more prevalent in younger age groups, while myopia will increase with advancing age. Findings will serve as evidence for designing vision screening programs tailored to the pediatric population in Plateau State and across the North Central zone. This study also reinforces the need for expanded optometric services in public health facilities serving children in the middle belt region of Nigeria. The research provides clinically relevant data for optometry educators, public health officials, and policymakers seeking to reduce childhood visual impairment in Nigeria. Keywords: refractive errors, children, eye clinic, Jos, pediatric optometry