Prevalence of Convergence Insufficiency Among Students in Federal Government College, Sokoto

Convergence insufficiency is a binocular vision disorder characterized by difficulty maintaining comfortable near work, and is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to academic underperformance among school-age children. This study examines the prevalence of convergence insufficiency among students at Federal Government College, Sokoto, in the North West geopolitical zone. A cross-sectional study will be conducted among 400 students aged 10 to 18 years, selected through stratified random sampling. Convergence insufficiency will be assessed using the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) questionnaire and clinical tests including the near point of convergence, positive fusional vergence at near, and monocular accommodative facility. Students with scores on the CISS above the threshold and failing clinical tests will be classified as having convergence insufficiency. Data will also capture academic performance indicators through teacher reports and school records. Logistic regression will be used to determine associations between convergence insufficiency and academic difficulties. The study expects to find a prevalence of approximately 8 to 12 percent, consistent with global estimates, with a significant negative association with academic performance. Recommendations will target school health programs in Sokoto State to include binocular vision screening. This research provides locally relevant data on a binocular vision disorder that is frequently overlooked in Nigerian school eye care programs and contributes to the evidence for expanding optometric services in northern Nigeria. Keywords: convergence insufficiency, binocular vision, school students, Sokoto, academic performance