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Visual problems in the handicapped child
Child: Care, Health and Development
|September 1, 1979
Summary
Preliminary vision and eye movement exams are crucial for children with handicaps. Over 35% of assessed children had visual or visuomotor defects, highlighting the need for early detection and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Vision and eye movement impairments can significantly impact development and learning in children with disabilities.
- Early identification of visual deficits is critical for effective intervention and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the necessity of preliminary vision and eye movement examinations for all children with handicaps.
- To report the prevalence and types of visual and visuomotor defects in a cohort of handicapped children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 893 children with diverse handicaps seen at a Regional Child Assessment Centre between 1972 and 1977.
- Inclusion of ophthalmological and orthoptic assessments for children with suspected visual impairments.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of children, 324 out of 893 (36.3%), were diagnosed with a visual or visuomotor defect.
- The study categorized defect types based on the primary handicap of the child.
Conclusions:
- Routine preliminary vision screening is essential for all handicapped children.
- Comprehensive ophthalmological and orthoptic evaluations are recommended when visual or visuomotor defects are suspected, preferably in specialized centers.