Refractive error, a major cause of low vision and blindness, is the most common visual impairment among children in India. Uncorrected refractive error affects school performance, reduces productivity, and impairs quality of life. Community health officers in India are expected to perform a visual acuity assessment. In this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of refractive error and the associated factors, 277 participating students in standard 9 to 12 standard in Bhopal district (Madhya Pradesh) were subjected to visual acuity assessed. Snellen’s E chart placed at a 6-metre distance was used. A pinhole occluder was used to rule out refractive error. The prevalence of refractive error was 10.01 percent; 18 participants were referred to the ophthalmologist. Refractive error was associated with the place of residence, type of school, problems in reading textbooks/ seeing chalkboard in class, the light source, visiting optical clinics and ophthalmologist for eye checkups, having medical problems, history of ever using spectacles and the use of spectacles. The findings imply that the community health officer may consider visual acuity assessment in health centres/schools, and also screen the population on the Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days.