VCTS chart evaluation as a screening test

Contrast sensitivity curves of 211 randomly selected patients were drawn using the VCTS chart. Depending on the type of curve obtained, patients were grouped in different diagnostic categories following the instructions supplied with the chart. Clinical examination revealed that the VCTS chart curves indicated a false diagnosis of cataract in 65.5% patients and in 54.2% patients a false diagnosis of glaucoma. In a number of additional patients, VCTS chart testing had failed to indicate the presence of cataract or glaucoma. Contrary to the claims of the manufacturer our results demonstrate that the VCTS chart has no value as a screening device in a clinical practice.