Purpose: to study the prevalence and structure of ophthalmic pathology in Tubalars, rural indigenes of the Altai Republic, for the benefit of the eye care system. Material and methods. A total of 673 indigenes (67% of the whole population) aged from 1 month to 88 years, 521 Russians and 316 people of mixed parentage were examined. Results. The general prevalence of eye diseases appeared to be higher in Russian newcomers (2481.75‰) than in Tubalars (1965.82‰), while the lowest proportion was found in the group of mixed parentage (1319.62‰). The structure of ophthalmic pathology in Tubalars was as follows: refractive errors and accommodative disorders (799.40‰), diseases of the conjunctiva (390.79‰), retinal diseases (212.48‰), lens diseases (164.93‰), other ocular pathology and tumors of the auxiliary structures (124.81‰), disorders of the lacrimal system (112.93‰), corneal diseases (87.67‰), strabismus (20.80‰), congenital ocular anomalies (10.40‰), glaucoma (8.91‰), diseases of the vascular tract (8.91‰), and eye injury (2.97‰). Conclusion. The prevalence of eye diseases in the three ethnic groups proves interethnic differences. Tubalars demonstrated intermediate results between Russians (higher rates) and the group of mixed parentage (lower rates), which indicates unequal adaptation of these populations to harsh climatic conditions of the area. The obtained data are fundamental for informed management decision-making on rational distribution of health institutions and allocation of medical personnel and funds among the regions of the country.