Actively Recruiting
SWISH (See Well to Stay In ScHool): Randomised Trial of Spectacle Distribution to Secondary School Children With Myopia to Increase Academic High School Attendance Rates in Rural Communities
Led by Queen's University, Belfast · Updated on 2024-12-27
10000
Participants Needed
3
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
Q
Queen's University, Belfast
Lead Sponsor
Z
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating whether providing free glasses to rural Chinese middle school children with myopia, along with teacher support to encourage wearing them, can increase the rate of academic high school attendance. This study focuses on children in Year 1 of middle school in Liaoning province, where many children have poor eyesight but lack access to glasses. Previous trials showed that giving free glasses improved academic performance more than factors like parental education or family income. The goal is to provide strong evidence to support national programs for free glasses distribution to help children continue their education. The study randomly assigns 111 middle schools to two groups: one where children receive free spectacles fitted to their eyesight and teachers receive conditional cash incentives if students wear the glasses consistently, and a control group where children only receive glasses prescriptions and parents are informed, but free glasses are provided only at the study’s end. The intervention group will have glasses from December 2024, with 32 months of follow-up until July 2027. Teacher incentives aim to improve compliance, measured through unannounced checks. Participants will be assessed at multiple points for outcomes including academic high school attendance after three years, spectacle wear compliance after one year, and use of classroom learning aids like blackboards versus textbooks. The study will also evaluate mental health factors such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and behavioral problems at baseline and after one year. Costs of providing glasses and teacher support will be analyzed for cost-effectiveness. Progression of nearsightedness will also be tracked over the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Correcting Myopia Among Secondary School Children to Increase Academic High School Attendance Rates in Rural Communities
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Children in Year 1 of middle school (likely age 12-13 years)
- Uncorrected visual acuity of 6/12 or worse in both eyes
- Myopia of -0.75 diopters or worse, or astigmatism of 1.00 diopters or more
- Visual acuity can improve to at least 6/7.5 in one eye with glasses
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of any other significant eye condition besides refractive error
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for vision screening
Duration - Approximately 32 months (December 2024 to July 2027)
Participants in the Intervention group receive free spectacles dispensed at school in Year 1 of middle school. Teachers receive incentives to promote spectacle wear among students.
Spectacles dispensed at 1 visit; compliance assessed during unannounced school visits
Duration - Up to 32 months, with key assessments at 12 months and study end
Participants are followed to assess academic high school attendance, spectacle wear compliance, and related outcomes over the course of the study.
Unannounced visits for compliance checks; outcome assessments at baseline, 12 months, and study closeout
Trial Site Locations
Total: 3 locations
1
He Eye Specialist Hospital
Shenyang, Liaoning, China, 110163
Actively Recruiting
2
Ningxia University
Yinchuan, Xixia, China, 750021
Not Yet Recruiting
3
Centre for Public Health
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, BT12 6BJ
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nathan Congdon, MD, MPH
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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