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Weighing in on Canadian school-based vision screening: A call for action
Katie P Bennett1, Wendy Maloney
1Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL. kpb403@mun.ca.
Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne De Sante Publique
|November 10, 2017
Summary
Public health leaders questioned school vision screening effectiveness. An environmental scan revealed inconsistencies and a lack of research, highlighting the need for evaluating current vision screening practices.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Vision screening programs aim for early detection and treatment of visual impairment in children.
- Concerns exist regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of current opportunistic vision screening protocols for school-aged children in Eastern Health, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an environmental scan of vision screening practices across Canada.
- To identify inconsistencies in school-based vision screening programs and research gaps.
Main Methods:
- An environmental scan of vision screening practices and programs in Canada was performed.
- Literature review to identify evidence-based research on universal vision screening for school-aged children.
Main Results:
- Significant inconsistencies were found in program types, target populations, and screening tools used across Canada.
- A notable gap in evidence-based research for universal vision screening programs for school-aged children (6+) was identified.
Conclusions:
- There is a need for evaluation and research into current school-based vision screening programs, both opportunistic and universal.
- Dissemination of findings through publication is recommended for researchers and public health practitioners to guide practice.
