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Article History

Received: 9 August 2025

Accepted: 4 October 2025

First Online: 18 November 2025

Declarations

:

: Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of the School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences at the University of Gondar, reference number SBMLS 486. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant before the collection of data and specimens. For children under 16 years of age, both assent and consent were obtained from their parents or legal guardians. For participants who were illiterate, the consent form was read aloud by the data collector, and a thumbprint or signature was secured as evidence of consent. All ethical considerations, including voluntary participation, confidentiality, and privacy, were strictly upheld throughout the study. Laboratory results, including bacterial isolates and drug susceptibility reports, were documented in patient records or communicated directly to healthcare professionals at the University of Gondar Eye Care and Training Center for appropriate clinical management. The research was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.

: not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.