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Updated: May 14, 2026
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An Automated Method for Assessing Visual Acuity in Infants and Toddlers Using an Eye-Tracking System
Published on: March 17, 2023
Learner-to-learner visual acuity screening: a solution for early identification of visual acuity disabilities.
1East London Eye Centre, Eastern Cape, South Africa. steve@eyecentre.co.za
Summary
A cost-effective visual acuity screening program trained secondary students to test primary students. This initiative identified 30% of Grade R learners with impaired vision, promoting early eye care and awareness.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- National School Health Policy mandates annual screenings for primary learners.
- Under-resourced areas like the Eastern Cape face challenges in identifying learners with disabilities.
- Undiagnosed disabilities significantly impact a learner's ability to succeed academically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a cost-effective and community-empowering solution for visual acuity screening.
- To train secondary school learners to conduct basic visual acuity (VA) eye screenings.
- To address the gap in early identification of vision impairments in primary school learners.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a Learner-to-Learner Visual Acuity Screening program.
- Training secondary school learners to perform basic visual acuity (VA) eye screenings.
- Screening of foundation-phase learners by trained secondary school learners.
Main Results:
- 30% of Grade R learners screened were identified with impaired VA.
- These learners were referred for further ophthalmic or optometric evaluation.
- The project successfully identified a significant number of children needing vision care.
Conclusions:
- The project raised awareness about abnormal VA among learners, parents, and teachers.
- It fostered interaction between secondary and primary school students.
- This simple, cost-effective strategy is replicable for improving basic eye care in schools.
