Evaluation of School Eye Health Programs in Akwa Ibom State Government Primary Schools

School eye health programs are a proven strategy for detecting and addressing visual impairment among school-age children, yet their implementation in Nigerian public schools remains inconsistent. This study evaluates the effectiveness of existing school eye health programs in government-owned primary schools in Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. A mixed-methods design will be employed, involving program document review, structured observation of vision screening activities at 15 randomly selected schools, and focus group discussions with school health officers, teachers, and parent-teacher association representatives. Quantitative data will assess the proportion of children screened, referral rates, spectacle provision follow-up, and documentation practices. Qualitative data will explore programmatic strengths, implementation challenges, and community engagement levels. The study anticipates significant variability in program quality across schools, with common weaknesses including inadequate screening equipment, untrained personnel, and poor referral completion rates. Findings will be submitted to the Akwa Ibom State Universal Basic Education Board and the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to support program strengthening and resource mobilization. This research contributes to the evidence base for school eye health program evaluation in Nigeria's South South zone and provides a practical framework for improving the quality and coverage of pediatric vision care in public primary schools. Keywords: school eye health, vision screening, Akwa Ibom State, primary school, program evaluation