BACKGROUND/AIMS: To analyse the predictive value of ocular trauma score (OTS) in open-globe injuries in children. METHODS: Thirty open-globe injuries in children 16 years or younger treated at our facilities were included. OTS variables (visual acuity, rupture, endophthalmitis, perforating injury, retinal detachment and afferent pupillary defect) were determined at the initial presentation and converted into the OTS categories as performed in the OTS Study. The distribution of the percentage of final visual acuity in each category was compared between the OTS study and our study. RESULTS: Compared with the OTS Study, in our group no light perception ratios were lower in the first two categories (p = 0.012, p<0.001, respectively); light perception/hand motion, and 1/100-19/100 ratios were higher in categories 2 and 3 (p<0.001 each), and the 20/200 to 20/50 ratio was lower in categories 3, 4 and 5 (p<0.001, p<0.001, p = 0.028, respectively). The ratio of >or=20/40 was lower in categories 2 and 3 (p<0.001, each) but higher in category 4 (p<0.001). In this study, the distribution of the percentage of final visual acuity in various OTS categories was found to be different between our study and the OTS study. CONCLUSION: In the paediatric population, OTS calculations might have limited value as predictors of visual outcome.