Validity of vision screening program conducted by preschool teachers: An interventional study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Clear vision is vital for preschool learning and development.
• Early detection and treatment of vision impairment improve outcomes.
• Bangladesh lacks established vision screening programs for preschoolers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Bengali version of the KieVision™ Preschool Vision Screening Kit.
• To assess the effectiveness of trained preschool teachers in identifying vision impairment.
• To enhance vision screening capabilities for preschool children in Bangladesh.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case-control study involving 60 preschool teachers in Chittagong.
• The study group was trained on the Bengali KieVision™ kit; the control group used a standard module.
• Teachers screened 15 children each, with optometrist re-screening for validation.

Main Results:

• The study group (KieVision™ kit) showed higher screening validity (sensitivity 68.00%, specificity 92.75%) than the control group (sensitivity 47.37%, specificity 70.39%).
• High agreement (AC1 ≥ 0.80) was observed between teachers and optometrists using the KieVision™ kit.
• Visual acuity testing with the KieVision™ kit demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity in the trained teacher group.

Conclusions:

• The Bengali KieVision™ Preschool Vision Screening Kit is effective for use by preschool teachers.
• The kit can significantly improve the identification of vision impairment in preschool children.
• Implementation of this kit can support early intervention and better visual health outcomes in Bangladesh.