This cross-sectional population-based survey will be conducted among residents aged 65 years and older in Xinxing County, Yunfu, Guangdong Province, China. The study will use standardized eye examinations, visual acuity and refractive assessment, anterior segment examination, hearing screening and questionnaires to estimate effective refractive error coverage, effective cataract surgical coverage, effective hearing technology coverage, common eye disease status, and dual sensory impairment among older adults. The findings are intended to provide evidence for primary-level eye and hearing health services.
The study addresses visual impairment, hearing impairment, and dual sensory impairment among older adults in a county-level population. Participants will be recruited from older adults aged 65 years and above covered by the national basic public health service system in Xinxing County. A probability proportional to size cluster sampling method will be used, with village or residential committees as the sampling frame. Study procedures include distance and near visual acuity testing, assessment with habitual correction where applicable, pinhole testing when visual acuity is worse than 6/12, corresponding to decimal visual acuity less than 0.5, slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment, bilateral ear examination, hearing screening using the WHOears app, and relevant questionnaires. Data will be entered and managed electronically and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
2,854
Xinxing County
Yunfu, Guangdong, China
Effective Refractive Error Coverage
Effective refractive error coverage among the surveyed population, calculated at the person level as the proportion of participants with met refractive correction need among all participants with met, under-met, or unmet refractive correction need. The primary threshold will be worse than 6/12 in the better eye, corresponding to decimal visual acuity less than 0.5, with improvement to 6/12 or better through habitual correction, pinhole, or refraction used to classify met, under-met, and unmet need.
Time frame: At the cross-sectional survey visit during the 2026-06 to 2026-12 data collection period.
Effective Cataract Surgical Coverage
Effective cataract surgical coverage among the surveyed population, calculated at the person level as the proportion of participants with operated cataract and a good visual outcome among all participants with operated or operable cataract. Good visual outcome is defined as presenting visual acuity of 6/12 or better; the final operable cataract threshold should be confirmed before release.
Time frame: At the cross-sectional survey visit during the 2026-06 to 2026-12 data collection period.
Effective Hearing Technology Coverage
Effective hearing technology coverage among the surveyed population, calculated as the proportion of participants with moderate or greater hearing loss who regularly use hearing technology and report perceived benefit from its use. Hearing loss classification will be based on WHOears app screening and study questionnaire data.
Time frame: At the cross-sectional survey visit during the 2026-06 to 2026-12 data collection period.
Prevalence and Correction Status of Common Eye Diseases
Prevalence and correction or treatment status of common eye diseases, including refractive error and cataract, based on standardized eye examinations and questionnaire data.
Time frame: At the cross-sectional survey visit during the 2026-06 to 2026-12 data collection period.
Prevalence of Dual Sensory Impairment
Prevalence of dual sensory impairment, defined as the proportion of participants who meet both the study visual impairment criterion and the study hearing impairment criterion. The visual impairment criterion will use worse than 6/12 in the better eye, corresponding to decimal visual acuity less than 0.5; the hearing impairment criterion will be based on WHOears app screening and study questionnaire data.
Time frame: At the cross-sectional survey visit during the 2026-06 to 2026-12 data collection period.
Feasibility and Satisfaction of the SENSIIS System for Primary-Level Vision and Hearing Screening
Feasibility and satisfaction of the SENSIIS system for primary-level vision and hearing screening, assessed through questionnaires and interviews.
Time frame: At or after the cross-sectional survey visit during the 2026-06 to 2026-12 data collection period.
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