Aim: To study the distribution of refractive error in different ethnic groups of Nepal.

Methods: A total of 1276 new eye patients between 5-35 years of age were included in this study after a thorough eye examination consisting of vision test, anterior and posterior segment eye examination including the investigative procedures whenever needed to rule out any systemic and ocular diseases. Thereafter, the patients were subjected to rigorous streak retinoscopic refraction.

Results: Out of 1276 eye patients examined 51.33 % patients are males and 48.66 % are females. The ethnic distribution of refractive error shows that there are 32.44% Newars; 27.50% Brahmins; 21.63% Chhetriyas; 12.14% Gurungs, Magars, Rais, Limbus, Tamangs, Sunuwars; and 6.26% Madhesias. Out of 414 Newar patients, 14.00% patients are myopic; 29.71% hyperopic; and 56.28% astigmatic. In 351 Brahmin patients, 14.81% patients are myopic; 49.85% hyperopic; and 35.32% astigmatic. In 276 Chhetry patients, 13.40% patients are myopic; 48.18% hyperopic; and 38.40% astigmatic. Out of 155 Gurungs, Magars, Rais patients, 11.61% are myopic; 52.90% hyperopic; and 35.48% astigmatism. Out of 80 Madhesias patients, 11.25% are myopic; 37.50% hyperopic; and 51.25 % astigmatic.

Conclusion: Thus, a refractive error profile is drawn up in Nepalese population.