Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the situation characteristic, cause and needs of visual disability in Shanxi Province and to provide prevention measures corresponding to different causes.MethodsBy cluster random sampling, 88 townships were selected and 75016 persons received the eye examination in 22 countries in Shanxi from July 1 to May 31 in 2006. Visual acuity and eye examination were performed by ophthalmologist and judged the causes.ResultsThe total prevalence rate of visual impairment in Shanxi was estimated to be 6.21‰.The was a significant increase in the prevalence rate of visual impairment as the age grew older(χ²＝415.54, P<0.05), those in women was higher than that in men(χ²＝40.62, P<0.05). The prevalence rate of visual impairment in countryside was significantly higher than that in city(χ²＝25.37, P<0.05).The chief causes of visual impairment were cataract(39.34%), there are 43.91% of visual impairment who had not received any rehabilitation services, and most of those were medical services (35.26%).ConclusionVisual impairment prevention should establish a social security system and security system. Increase the investment of medical services and relief. To take different preventive measures corresponding to different ages. The preventive of visual impairment of shanxi should be focus on senile eye diseases. The major work should be put in remote rural area.

Key words: Visual Disability, prevention, rehabilitation demands