Use of a noncycloplegic autorefractor to perform vision screening in preschools.
Early detection and treatment of vision disorders in children are important to avoid lifelong visual impairment; however, preschool vision-screening rates are low. Traditional methods of screening lack the precision of objective tests and are difficult to administer in preschoolers. This study adopted a method using school nurses to conduct vision screening in preschoolers with a portable autorefractor. In addition, the effectiveness of the school nurse in conducting follow-up was evaluated. In a sample of 600 children, more than 98% completed the screening, and 7% were referred for follow-up evaluation. Seventeen percent of parents had plans to follow-up after receiving a brochure indicating that their child would benefit from a comprehensive eye exam. However, after a conversation with the school nurse, 86% had plans to schedule an evaluation with an eye care professional. Of the 15 students with known follow-up, 10 received glasses. The described method is effective in identifying young children with potential vision problems and facilitating their correction after contact made by the school nurse.
Clarke
Noreen
N
Children HealthWorks, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Shacks
Janice
J
Kerr
Amanda R E
AR
Bottrell
Christine L
CL
Poulsen
Marie Kanne
MK
Yin
Larry
L
D000359:Aftercare / Q000379:methods; D002140:California; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009184:Mydriatics; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012573:School Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D015351:Vision Screening / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing
D009184:Mydriatics