Pediatric Vision Screening

Abstract

1. Allison R. Loh, MD* 2. Michael F. Chiang, MD*,† 1. *Department of Ophthalmology and 2. †Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR Incorporating vision screening and a basic eye examination in the primary care setting can be challenging. Determining which screening examination to perform and when to refer a patient to a pediatric eye care provider is critical. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the importance of vision screening and know what conditions can be detected by periodic eye examinations. 2. Describe the components of a vision screening examination at different ages and plan an appropriate evaluation of vision. 3. Recognize the indications for referral to pediatric ophthalmology. Vision screening is crucial for early detection and prevention of vision loss in young children. Vision screening can be performed by primary care providers, trained laypersons (eg, school-based screenings), and eye care providers. Vision screening techniques are either provider-based (eg, traditional acuity testing, inspection, red reflex testing) or instrument-based. Instrument-based screening can often be performed at an earlier age than provider-based acuity testing and allows earlier screening for risk factors that are likely to lead to amblyopia and poor vision. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus have developed guidelines to help practitioners screen for vision problems at different ages (Table 1). View this table: Table 1. Age-Appropriate Methods for Pediatric Vision Screening and Criteria for Referral Vision screening allows the early detection of preventable vision-threatening or life-threatening conditions. Amblyopia, …