Use of a noncycloplegic autorefractor to perform vision screening in preschools

• Published in: The Journal of school nursing 2008-06, Vol.24 (3), p.158-163
• Main Authors: Clarke, Noreen, Shacks, Janice, Kerr, Amanda R E, Bottrell, Christine L, Poulsen, Marie Kanne, Yin, Larry
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Nursing
• ISSN: 1059-8405
• DOI: 10.1622/1059-8405(2008)024[0158:UOANAT]2.0.CO;2

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.