[Problems and countermeasures in eye care and vision screening services for children aged 0 to 6 years]

The critical period for visual function and ocular structure development occurs from 0 to 6 years of age, making standardized eye care and vision screening services during this stage vital for improving lifelong visual outcomes and quality of life. In China, policy-driven initiatives have established a preliminary eye care and vision screening service system for this age group. However, problems such as insufficient public awareness, limitations in screening technology, fragmented service networks, and decentralized data management systems hinder early intervention and follow-up of abnormal visual development. To address these issues, a collaborative effort involving the government, healthcare institutions, schools, and families is essential. By integrating clinical medicine with preventive care, a tiered service network for medical care should be developed. Leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize screening technologies and establishing a nationally unified, standardized child eye health information management system are crucial to create a closed-loop, digitalized management model integrating health education, screening and early warning, precise diagnosis and treatment, visual rehabilitation, and intelligent follow-up. Multisectoral action is essential to advance pediatric eye care and vision screening services and lay the foundation for lifelong ocular health management.