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Validation of the Pediatric Vision Scanner in a normal preschool population
Shaival S Shah1, Jennifer J Jimenez2, Emily J Rozema2
1Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Department of Ophthalmology.
Insights
The Pediatric Vision Scanner (PVS) accurately detects amblyopia and strabismus in young children, achieving 100% sensitivity. This handheld device offers a quick and effective screening solution for early intervention in pediatric eye care.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Amblyopia and strabismus are common causes of vision impairment in children.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for effective treatment outcomes.
- Existing screening methods may have limitations in general pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of the Pediatric Vision Scanner (PVS), a handheld device for detecting amblyopia and strabismus.
- To assess the PVS in a general pediatric population.
- To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the PVS.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 300 children aged 24-72 months.
- Screening for amblyopia and strabismus using the PVS by trained staff.
- Comparison with a comprehensive eye examination by a masked pediatric ophthalmologist.
Main Results:
- The PVS demonstrated 100% sensitivity in detecting amblyopia and/or strabismus (6/6 cases).
- Specificity was 85%, with 15% of children referred for normal findings.
- The median acquisition time for the PVS was 28 seconds.
Conclusions:
- The PVS is a highly sensitive tool for detecting amblyopia in a general pediatric population.
- Early referral for amblyopia and strabismus is possible from age two.
- The PVS can be integrated into pediatric clinics due to its rapid screening time.
Purpose:
To assess the Pediatric Vision Scanner (PVS), a handheld vision screening device designed to test for amblyopia and strabismus, in a general pediatric population.
Methods:
In this prospective study, trained research staff screened 300 eligible children 24-72 months of age with no known eye conditions for amblyopia and strabismus using the PVS. A pediatric ophthalmologist masked to PVS screening results then performed a comprehensive eye examination. Sensitivity and specificity of the PVS was calculated with a 95% confidence interval.
Results:
Based on the gold standard eye examination, 6 children (2%) had amblyopia and/or strabismus. The PVS detected all 6 cases, yielding a sensitivity rate of 100% (95% CI, 54%-100%). The PVS referred 45 additional children (15%) who had normal ophthalmic findings, yielding a specificity rate of 85% (95% CI, 80%-89%). The median acquisition time for the PVS was 28 seconds.
Conclusions:
The PVS detected amblyopia with high sensitivity in a nonenriched pediatric population. The device would allow children with amblyopia and/or strabismus to be referred to an eye care specialist as early as 2 years old. Given its short acquisition time, the PVS can be implemented in a pediatric clinic with minimal impact on workflow.
