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Preschool vision testing with a new device, the Scolatest
J L Jacob1, J Milot, Y Beaulieu
1Department of Ophthalmology, hôpital Sainte-Justine, Montreal.
Insights
This study evaluated the Scolatest vision screening device for preschool children. Results suggest a 2.5-meter working distance is reliable for visual acuity testing in young children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Public Health Screening
Background:
- Preschool vision screening is crucial for early detection of visual impairments.
- Assessing the reliability of new vision testing devices in young children is essential for effective screening programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the reliability of the Scolatest, a new vision testing device, when used by school nurses in preschool children.
- To compare the performance of the Scolatest with standard vision testing methods at different distances.
Main Methods:
- 153 children (4-5 years) were tested with Snellen E and Sheridan letters on the Scolatest and a projector.
- 212 children (3-4 years) were tested with Allen and Pigassou symbols on the Scolatest and a projector.
- Tests were conducted at 6m (orthoptist) and 2.5m (school nurse) using different visual acuity charts.
Main Results:
- The Scolatest showed higher accuracy with Pigassou symbols compared to Allen symbols.
- Snellen E and Sheridan letter results were comparable up to 20/30; Snellen E was unreliable beyond this.
- Using the Scolatest at 2.5m with school nurses yielded comparable results across different visual acuity systems.
Conclusions:
- A working distance of 2.5 meters is recommended for preschool vision testing using the Scolatest.
- Visual screening at 2.5 meters should assess acuity beyond the 20/30 standard for comparable results to 6-meter testing.
Abstract:
To determine the reliability of results obtained in preschool children by school nurses with a new device for testing vision, the Scolatest, 153 children aged 4 to 5 years were presented with the Snellen E on the standard American Optical projector and with five letters of the Sheridan test (H, O, V, T and X) on the Scolatest. Another 212 children aged 3 to 4 years were presented with the Allen symbols on the projector and with the Pigassou symbols on the Scolatest. The tests with the projector were given at 6 m by an experienced pediatric orthoptist, those with the Scolatest at 2.5 m by a school nurse. The proportion of good responses was higher with the Pigassou symbols than with the Allen symbols. The results with the Sheridan letters and the Snellen E were similar up to 20/30; beyond 20/30 the Snellen E appeared unreliable. The four vision-testing systems were also presented by a school nurse at 2.5 m on the Scolatest to 102 children aged 4 to 5 years (Snellen E and the five Sheridan letters) and 80 children aged 3 to 4 years (Allen and Pigassou symbols). The proportions of good responses were more comparable. The results suggest that a working distance of 2.5 m should be used in testing vision in preschool children. Visual screening at this distance should test acuity beyond the 20/30 equivalence if results comparable to those at 20 feet with the 20/30 standard requirement are to be obtained.