title: Comparison of the Handy Eye Chart and the Lea Symbols Chart in a population of deaf children aged 7-18 years.
abstract: To compare the results of visual acuity testing in a population of deaf children using the Handy Eye Chart versus the Lea Symbols Chart and to compare testability and preference between charts.
  
  
  
  A total of 24 participants were recruited at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. Visual Acuity was evaluated using the Handy Eye Chart and the Lea Symbols Chart. Patient preference and duration of testing were measured.
  
  
  
  The mean difference between the visual acuity as measured by each chart was -0.02 logMAR (95% CI, -0.06 to 0.03). Testing with the Handy Eye Chart was an average of 13.79 seconds faster than testing with the Lea Symbols Chart (95% CI, 1.1-26.47; P = 0.03). Of the 24 participants, 17 (71%) preferred the Handy Eye Chart (95% CI: 49%-87%; P = 0.07).
  
  
  
  The Handy Eye Chart is a fast, valid, and useful tool for measuring visual acuity in deaf children age 7-18 years. Additional research is needed to evaluate the utility of the Handy Eye Chart in younger children and deaf adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: John Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Gorham
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Beau B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. Electronic address: amy.hutchinson@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Amy K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Hutchinson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003638:Deafness / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities; D015351:Vision Screening / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*