Evaluation of School-Based Health Education Programme on Eye Health Among Primary School Children in Cross River State

Visual impairment among primary school children remains an underaddressed public health concern in South South Nigeria, with inadequate school health services and low awareness among parents and teachers contributing to delayed detection and treatment. This study evaluated a school-based health education programme on eye health among primary school children in Cross River State. A quasi-experimental design was used, with 220 pupils from four schools in Calabar Municipality and Akpabuyo local government areas. The intervention involved four weeks of structured eye health education sessions covering hygiene, nutrition, UV protection, and early signs of visual impairment. A validated knowledge and practice questionnaire was administered at baseline and post-intervention. Results showed significant improvement in eye hygiene knowledge and parental reporting of children with suspected vision problems following the intervention. Teachers trained as facilitators demonstrated high engagement and reported confidence in delivering eye health content. The study recommended that eye health education be incorporated into the national school health programme and that mobile vision screening be introduced alongside health education campaigns. Keywords: eye health, school-based health education, primary school children, Cross River State, visual impairment