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Use of a noncycloplegic autorefractor to perform vision screening in preschools
Noreen Clarke1, Janice Shacks, Amanda R E Kerr
1Children HealthWorks, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Insights
Early vision screening for preschoolers using portable autorefractors and school nurse follow-up significantly improves detection and correction of vision disorders, preventing lifelong impairment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric ophthalmology
- Public health initiatives
- Vision screening technologies
Background:
- Preschool vision screening rates are low, hindering early detection of vision disorders.
- Traditional screening methods lack precision and are challenging for preschoolers.
- Lifelong visual impairment can result from delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of school nurses conducting vision screening in preschoolers using a portable autorefractor.
- To assess the impact of school nurse-led follow-up on parental engagement in eye care.
- To improve early detection and treatment rates for pediatric vision disorders.
Main Methods:
- A vision screening protocol utilizing school nurses and portable autorefractors was implemented for 600 preschoolers.
- Parental follow-up intentions were assessed after brochure distribution and subsequent school nurse counseling.
- Referral and treatment rates were tracked for children identified with potential vision problems.
Main Results:
- Over 98% of children completed the screening, with 7% referred for follow-up.
- School nurse counseling increased parental plans for eye evaluations from 17% to 86%.
- Of 15 students with known follow-up, 10 received necessary corrective eyewear.
Conclusions:
- School nurse-administered vision screening with portable autorefractors is effective for identifying preschool vision problems.
- School nurse-facilitated follow-up significantly enhances parental commitment to comprehensive eye examinations.
- This integrated approach improves the correction of vision disorders in young children, mitigating long-term visual impairment.
Abstract:
Early detection and treatment of vision disorders in children are important to avoid lifelong visual impairment; however, preschool vision-screening rates are low. Traditional methods of screening lack the precision of objective tests and are difficult to administer in preschoolers. This study adopted a method using school nurses to conduct vision screening in preschoolers with a portable autorefractor. In addition, the effectiveness of the school nurse in conducting follow-up was evaluated. In a sample of 600 children, more than 98% completed the screening, and 7% were referred for follow-up evaluation. Seventeen percent of parents had plans to follow-up after receiving a brochure indicating that their child would benefit from a comprehensive eye exam. However, after a conversation with the school nurse, 86% had plans to schedule an evaluation with an eye care professional. Of the 15 students with known follow-up, 10 received glasses. The described method is effective in identifying young children with potential vision problems and facilitating their correction after contact made by the school nurse.
