Evaluating a web-based visual acuity and refractive error self-assessment tool in myopic children.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Eye Care
• Digital Health

Background:

• Growing demand for myopia management necessitates innovative solutions.
• Web-based tools for self-assessment of visual acuity (VA) and refractive error show promise for hybrid care models.
• Previous validation in adults, but not yet evaluated in myopic children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare home-performed VA and refraction self-assessments with conventional clinical measurements in myopic children.
• To evaluate the agreement and repeatability of a web-based eye testing tool.
• To identify associations between clinical characteristics and the accuracy of web-based tests.

Main Methods:

• 147 myopic children (aged ≥6 years) performed web-based eye tests at home with parental assistance.
• Clinical measurements included Snellen chart VA and cycloplegic autorefraction.
• Analysis focused on agreement, repeatability, and accuracy of the web-based tool.

Main Results:

• 116 children completed the study (mean age 13 years, mean SEQ -5.58 D).
• Home-based VA self-assessment showed good agreement with clinical Snellen chart testing (mean difference 0.03 logMAR).
• The web-based refractive error algorithm overestimated myopia progression (mean difference SEQ 0.40 D).

Conclusions:

• Web-based self-assessment of VA in children offers precision comparable to clinical settings.
• The refractive error algorithm requires recalibration for accurate myopia progression monitoring in children.
• Home-based tools can support hybrid care pathways for pediatric myopia management.