INTRODUCTION. Refractive errors and visual impairment continues to be a worldwide problem. Asymptomatic children are showing visual impairment on routine visual screening. Early detection is important to prevent vision loss.

OBJECTIVES. To assess the prevalence and the type of refractive error and visual impairment among Filipino children at a private school.

DESIGN. A cross sectional study.

METHODS. A total of 352 children enrolled in the school year 2005-2006 at a private school with a mandatory visual screening program were included. Children were divided into symptomatic or asymptomatic. The examination include visual acuity measurement and non cycloplegic refractions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE. Visual acuity and refraction was done by a board-certified Ophthalmologist assisted by the author and 4 staff nurses. Symptomatology were recorded and children were tallied as to Asymptomatic and Symptomatic. The types of error of refraction were recorded and tallied. Visual impairment was also recorded as to degree.

RESULTS. The prevalence of male with visual impairment is 33.23% and females showed 28.12% for a total of 66.74%. Of the 352 children only 11 or 3.12% had symptoms. Simple or one defect was found in 22.30% of the children and compound or 2 or more impairment were found in 37.8%. Astigmatism was found in 19.44%, Myopia alone in 14.81%, Hyperopia alone in only 3.24% and a combination of the above was 62.50% in these children. Of the 57 children prescribed with the corrective glasses only 19 or 33.33% complied.

CONCLUSION. The examined children showed no predilection as to gender. The primary grade level is more vulnerable to visual impairment. Astigmatism was found to be the major cause of visual impairment in this study. Visual impairment was found in majority of the asymptomatic children.