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Expert opinion on best practice guidelines and competency framework for visual screening in children
1Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Centro de Investigação e Estudos em Saúde Pública (CIESP), Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública. carla.costa@estesl.ipl.pt
Strabismus
|August 28, 2013
Summary
Experts recommend including six key tests in children's visual screening programs. Professional experience is crucial for applying screening protocols, with a focus on minimizing false negatives and developing core competencies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science
- Public Health
- Pediatric Healthcare
Background:
- Visual screening programs for children differ globally.
- Establishing standardized best practices and competency frameworks is essential for effective early detection of visual abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To gather expert opinions on ideal guidelines and a competency framework for pediatric visual screening.
- To identify key components and considerations for optimizing children's vision screening.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative focus group was conducted with 7 experts (5 orthoptists, 2 ophthalmologists) experienced in pediatric visual screening.
- Experts were provided with a script detailing instrumental, systemic, and interpersonal competencies.
- Data from the recorded session were analyzed using a categorical qualitative technique.
Main Results:
- Six essential tests were identified: distance visual acuity, cover test, prism, fusion, ocular movements, and refraction.
- Screening protocols should be age-specific, with considerations for children under and over 3 years old.
- Instrumental competencies were prioritized (54.09%), followed by interpersonal (29.51%) and systemic (16.4%). Concerns were raised regarding professional experience and false negative control.
Conclusions:
- Orthoptists require prior professional experience to effectively implement screening protocols.
- Further investigation into controlling false negative results in visual screening is necessary.
- Developing competency-based programs can significantly enhance pediatric visual screening initiatives.
