Abstract

Visual impairment represents a substantial public health burden, and many causes can be mitigated through early detection and timely referral. This study examined demographic patterns, ophthalmic disorder distribution, ocular multimorbidity, regional differences, and referral needs among participants in community-based ophthalmic screening and clinical evaluation programmes across Georgia. Using retrospective cross-sectional data, records from 2,038 patients with complete documentation were analysed to investigate associations between sex, diagnostic categories, referral requirements, regional distribution, and age. Descriptive statistics, chi-square testing, one-way ANOVA, logistic regression, and Spearman correlation were used, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Presbyopia was the most prevalent condition, while increasing age was independently associated with cataract (OR = 1.069). Patterns of disease varied by region, and cataract, glaucoma, retinal pathology, and pseudophakia more often required specialist referral. These findings support the effectiveness of organised screening to inform planning and reduce preventable visual impairment.