Healthy Eyes in Schools: An evaluation of a school and community-based intervention to promote eye health in rural Timor-Leste

Urban Farm DB summary

An intervention under the Healthy Eyes in Schools Project, delivered across four primary schools in Aileu District, Timor-Leste, was evaluated using a descriptive mixed-methods design combining questionnaires and interviews. Local teachers received training and resources to deliver nine lessons on eye health; in two schools this was paired with the creation of school gardens and improvements to water and sanitation. Students in classes 5 and 6 took part: 384 students aged 10-17 (median 12) completed the baseline survey and 237 completed a follow-up. The intervention was associated with improved eye health knowledge and some attitudes and practices, but attitudes about the capabilities of blind children and adults did not change. Teachers' attitudes and support from principals and an international NGO appeared key to successful implementation, while limited coverage of eye health in the existing curriculum, limited parent participation, and limited access to healthy food may have constrained the intervention's effectiveness.