Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Author Spotlight: An Automated Method for Assessing Visual Acuity in Infants and Toddlers Using an Eye-Tracking System
Published on: March 17, 2023
A new computer-based pediatric vision-screening test
Tomohiko Yamada1, Sarah R Hatt1, David A Leske1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Insights
The Jaeb Visual Acuity Screener (JVAS) effectively screens children aged 3-7 for vision problems. This free, computerized tool offers high accuracy, aiding in early detection and standardized vision care.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Developed and validated the Jaeb Visual Acuity Screener (JVAS), a free, computerized vision screening program for children.
- JVAS utilizes a rapid, age-specific, standardized algorithm for vision screening in medical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the JVAS in screening children aged 3 to <8 years for reduced visual acuity, amblyopia, and amblyopia risk factors.
- To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the JVAS compared to a gold standard eye examination.
Main Methods:
- 175 children aged 3 to <8 years were screened using JVAS prior to a comprehensive eye exam.
- JVAS presented age-specific optotypes; failure criteria included inability to identify 3 of 4, 3 of 5, or 4 of 5 presentations.
- Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated based on established referral criteria and visual acuity norms.
Main Results:
- JVAS demonstrated 100% testability in the screened population.
- Sensitivity ranged from 88% to 91%, and specificity ranged from 73% to 86%.
- Positive predictive value was 66%–79%, and negative predictive value was 92%–93%.
Conclusions:
- JVAS is an effective and practical tool for screening children aged 3-7 years on any Windows computer.
- Offering JVAS free of charge can standardize vision screening practices, which are currently fragmented.
- The screener aids in early detection of visual impairments in pediatric populations.
Background:
We developed and validated the Jaeb Visual Acuity Screener (JVAS), a computerized visual acuity-based screening program for children that employs a rapid, age-specific, standardized algorithm for vision screening in the medical home that is available for download at no cost.
Methods:
A total of 175 children aged 3 to <8 (median, 6) years were screened with the JVAS before undergoing a complete eye examination (gold standard). The JVAS presented 2 large single surround optotypes (20/100 and 20/80) and then 5 optotypes at a predetermined, age-specific normal threshold. Failure on the gold standard examination was determined using recently published referral criteria and published visual acuity norms for age. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the JVAS for detecting reduced visual acuity, amblyopia, and amblyopia risk factors. JVAS pass/fail paradigms evaluated were inability to identify 3 of 4, 3 of 5, and 4 of 5 age-appropriate optotype presentations.
Results:
Screening testability for the JVAS was high, at 100%. Sensitivity of the JVAS ranged from 88% to 91%, and specificity from 73% to 86%, with positive predictive value ranging from 66% to 79% and negative predictive value from 92% to 93% (ranges reflect different pass/fail paradigms).
Conclusions:
The new JVAS provides an effective and practical method for screening 3- to 7-year-olds using any Windows-based computer. Providing the JVAS free-of-charge to pediatricians and school systems would standardize currently fragmented visual acuity-based screening practices.
