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Vision screening for children 36 to <72 months: recommended practices
Susan A Cotter1, Lynn A Cyert, Joseph M Miller
1*OD, MS, FAAO †PhD, OD, FAAO ‡MD, MPH §MD, MSCE Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, California (SAC); Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry, Tahlequah, Oklahoma (LAC); University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona (JMM); and Department of Ophthalmology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (GEQ).
Annual vision screening for children aged 3 to 6 years is recommended to detect amblyopia and other visual disorders. Best practices include visual acuity testing or instrument-based screening for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Vision Science
Background:
- Early detection of vision disorders in children is crucial for preventing long-term visual impairment.
- The National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health developed guidelines for vision screening in preschool-aged children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide recommendations for screening children aged 36 to younger than 72 months for eye and visual system disorders.
- To define best and acceptable practice standards for vision screening.
- To identify targeted vision disorders including amblyopia, strabismus, and refractive errors.
Main Methods:
- Two best practice vision screening methods are described: monocular visual acuity testing and instrument-based testing.
- Recommended screening tests are suitable for lay screeners, nurses, and healthcare professionals.
- Characteristics of children requiring professional examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist are outlined.
Main Results:
- Best practice methods include HOTV or LEA Symbols visual acuity testing and instrument-based testing with specific devices (Retinomax, SureSight).
- Acceptable practice includes using the Plusoptix Photoscreener.
- Supplemental stereoacuity testing with the PASS stereotest is also acceptable.
Conclusions:
- Annual vision screening is recommended as best practice for children aged 36 to younger than 72 months.
- A minimum standard of at least one screening is accepted.
- Technological updates will be available online.
