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.
Children HealthWorks, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Noreen
N
Clarke
Janice
J
Shacks
Amanda R E
AR
Kerr
Christine L
CL
Bottrell
Marie Kanne
MK
Poulsen
Larry
L
Yin
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