Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental disorder of the eyes. It is one of the most common causes of visual impairment but preventable blindness among younger children. The study objective was to examine the prevalence of amblyopia among kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2 students in selected private and public schools in Zamboanga City. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design and multistage sampling in which students were selected based on proportional allocation. A total of 613 respondents were included in the study. The study progressed in two phases, the school-based visual acuity screening and the confirmation of visual impairment at the Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center. Visual acuity testing was done using the LEA symbols chart and the Snellen eye chart. Results revealed that 94 (15.33%) had visual impairment and were subsequently referred to Tzu Chi eye center. Only 33 (35.11%) were able to proceed for confirmation of visual impairment. Among them, 18 were noted to have error of refraction while 15 had amblyopia. A higher prevalence was noted among males with 2.95%, while females had 1.95%. Moreover, no significant difference was noted in the prevalence between private and public schools with 3.13% and 2.32, respectively (p=0.716). Twelve out of the 15 had anisometropic amblyopia giving it a combined prevalence of 1.96%, while the other types, isoametropic strabismic and deprivation amblyopia, had 1 case each. Hence, the prevalence of amblyopia among kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2 students in selected private and public schools in Zamboanga City was 2.45%. This suggests the need for vision screening at entry level for school children or during early school years for the detection amblyopia and other eye anomalies. This needs to be done for it to be managed immediately. Thus, preventing possible permanent visual impairment and blindness.

Keyword: Ambylopia Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2