An Evaluation of SPOT Vision Screening Efficacy for Children in South Dakota

Amblyopia is a preventable, sight stealing disorder with a prevalence of approximately 2-4 percent in the U.S. pediatric population. Identifying efficacious, early stage screening modalities is of critical importance to sustain quality of vision and quality of life. This project assessed the quality of screening methods used in the Children's Vision Screening Initiative (CVSI), administered by Northern Plains Eye Foundation in collaboration with Western South Dakota Lions Clubs, by comparing to data collected in follow-up appointments at professional eye care clinics.

Data from 120 cases for children ages 6 months-12 years collected between February 2014 to July 2016 were compared. Only cases that had undergone initial screening by CVSI using a SPOT photoscreener device and that attended a subsequently scheduled eye care professional referral follow-up appointment were evaluated. SPOT screening performance measures on detecting amblyopia risk factors and the accuracy of refractive error data were evaluated.

Review of professional evaluations showed that 23 percent of cases referred by SPOT screening had detectable amblyopia and 82 percent of all cases referred were found to be in need of further therapy as a result of examination findings. The SPOT device showed fair sensitivity and good specificity in the detection of astigmatism (76 percent/86 percent), strabismus (50 percent/96 percent), and anisometropia (75 percent/90 percent).

Vision screening performed using the SPOT device represents a valuable modality that is easily employable and can provide tremendous benefit to children in the state of South Dakota.