Abstract: The Handan Eye Study is a population-based and epidemiological investigation of cross-sectional ophthalmopathy which included 6 830 Han people from 7 557 subjects at the age over 30 years in 13 villages of Yongnian County, Handan city, Hebei province in 2006-2007. The interviews covered demographic, behavioral, and ocular risk factors as well as healthrelated and vision-related quality of life. Ocular examination included measurement of visual acuity(VA), intraocular pressure, anterior and posterior segment examinations, visual field testing, fundus and optic disc photography. Physical examination included measurement of height and weight, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, fasting blood glucose, lipid levels, urea nitrogen and creatinine as well as tests of physical function including walking speed. Of the 7 557 individuals eligible for Handan Eye Study(HES), 6 830(90.4%) subjects participated the study. We present normative data for refractive error, frequency and causes of visual impairment and blindness, prevalence of epiretinal membranes, diabetic retinopathy and the normal OCT-measured macular thickness in healthy eyes of adult Chinese persons. These data from the HES will provide key information about the prevalence, risk factors, impact, and trends of ocular disease in rural regions of China and may be helpful for dealing with public health issues in China.

Key words: Handan eye study, epidemiology, ophthalmology, populationbased study