KAMPANYE KESEHATAN MATA DAN SKRINING MASSAL UNTUK MEMINIMALISIR PENURUNAN PRESTASI BELAJAR AKIBAT GANGGUAN REFRAKSI

Abstract

In today's digital era, gadgets have evolved from mere communication tools into an essential part of teenagers' lives. Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that, as of 2025, 44%—or approximately 23 million out of 52.9 million—teenagers suffer from vision impairments, primarily refractive errors. Consequently, preventive measures have become urgent. Periodic eye screening is a crucial tool for early detection; it can be performed manually using a Snellen chart—a series of letters designed for literate patients—to assess visual acuity. This community service initiative targeted 85 teenagers within the Muhammad Dahlan Polytechnic campus environment, employing a structured, collaborative approach. The process began with an awareness campaign educating teenagers on the importance of eye examinations, refractive errors, and eye health maintenance. Through interactive activities, participants learned about the 20-20-20 rule to prevent digital eye strain. Mass screening using Snellen charts revealed that 30% of participants had previously undiagnosed refractive errors. Myopia (nearsightedness) was the most prevalent condition, directly affecting the teenagers' ability to read whiteboards or presentation slides from the back of the classroom. The results demonstrated that undiagnosed vision impairment is a significant barrier to effective classroom learning. Although the screening process required on-site adjustments, the initiative proved effective in raising awareness about the importance of eye health in supporting academic performance.