Impact of refractive error correction on mental and visual development in children with global developmental delay KS Smitha, VD Patil, Mahesh D Kamate, Madhav Prabhu, Umesh Harakuni, OP Rakshitha Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (KLEU) 2019 12(2):117-122 PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate visual acuity and refractive status in children with global developmental delay (GDD) and to study the effect of early correction of refractive errors on vision and developmental quotient (DQ). METHODS: In this case series data with pre–post design, 100 consecutive children from 1 to 5 years of age diagnosed with GDD attending the child development clinic and referred to ophthalmology were evaluated for ocular complaints, status of visual acuity, and type of refractive error. Glasses were prescribed on the basis of cycloplegic retinoscopy. Etiological diagnosis and DQ were documented. Follow-up was done after 6 months for visual acuity, DQ, and qualitative questionnaire administered for the caretaker. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Fifty-six children were <2.5 years of age and 44 children were >2.5 years. Severe GDD prevalence was more in children <2.5 years (43%) and mild GDD in >2.5 (50%). Of 47 who showed improvement in vision, 39 (71%) showed improvement in social behavior also, which was statistically significant. In children <2.5 years, more improvement in DQ was seen in the moderate intellectual disability group after refractive error correction. However, in the children of 2.5 years and above, more improvement was seen in the severe group. Overall, improvement in DQ in children from 1 to 5 years was statistically significant at 14%. CONCLUSION: Harmful effects of sensory visual deprivation on the development and functioning can be dampened by a simple and cost-effective approach of spectacles therapy which makes a spectacular effect in the case of children with GDD.