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The W.H.E.E.L.S. Preschool Vision Screening Program's Initial Outcomes for 12,402 Children Screened Using the
1Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic W.H.E.E.L.S. Program, 11618 Busy Street, Richmond, VA 23236, USA.
Insights
The W.H.E.E.L.S. program screened over 12,000 preschoolers, identifying many with amblyopic risk factors. While follow-up compliance was low, mobile photoscreening is effective for early vision disorder detection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Preschool vision screening is crucial for early detection of amblyopic risk factors.
- The W.H.E.E.L.S. Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic program utilized photoscreening technology.
- Identifying vision disorders before school entry is vital for long-term visual health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the W.H.E.E.L.S. vision screening program.
- To report on the outcomes of preschool vision screenings using the Plusoptix Photoscreener.
- To assess the prevalence of amblyopic risk factors in preschoolers.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional analysis of data from a mobile vision screening program.
- Screening of 12,402 preschoolers across 113 preschools over four years (2010-2014).
- Utilized the Plusoptix Photoscreener for vision assessments.
Main Results:
- 24% of screened preschoolers (3,018) failed the vision screening.
- Significant refractive errors were the primary cause for failed screenings.
- Only 30% of children who failed reported compliance with recommended follow-up examinations.
Conclusions:
- The W.H.E.E.L.S. program successfully identified numerous preschoolers with previously unknown amblyopic risk factors.
- Low follow-up compliance rates mirror findings from other vision screening studies.
- Mobile photoscreening programs are efficient and cost-effective for early detection of pediatric vision disorders.
Abstract:
Objective. To report the results of the W.H.E.E.L.S. Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic vision screening program that targets preschoolers using the Plusoptix Photoscreener (Plusoptix Inc., Nuremburg, Germany). Methods. Trained program staff members conducted vision screenings at up to 113 preschool programs in the Richmond metropolitan area for four consecutive years; a cross-sectional analysis was performed. Results and Discussion. From September 2010 to March 2014, 15,075 preschoolers have been offered a free vision screening; 12,402 (82%) have been screened. A total of 3,018 (24%) have failed the screening and were recommended to follow up with an eye care specialist for a comprehensive examination; only 30% reported complying. Significant refractive errors were more frequently the cause for a failed screening. Conclusions. The W.H.E.E.L.S. program has identified a high number of preschoolers with significant amblyopic risk factors that were previously unknown to be present. Undesirably low follow-up reporting outcomes from children who fail a vision screening examination were consistent with other reports. Nevertheless, having a mobile vision screening program that uses photoscreening technology in targeting children prior to school entry is an efficient and cost-effective way to detect vision disorders in a timely manner.
