Use of a Noncycloplegic Autorefractor to Perform Vision Screening in Preschools

摘要

Early detection and treatment of vision disorders in children are important to avoidnlifelong visual impairment; however, preschool vision-screening rates are low. Traditional methodsnof screening lack the precision of objective tests and are difficult to administer in preschoolers.nThis study adopted a method using school nurses to conduct vision screening in preschoolersnwith a portable autorefractor. In addition, the effectiveness of the school nurse in conductingnfollow-up was evaluated. In a sample of 600 children, more than 98% completed the screening,nand 7% were referred for follow-up evaluation. Seventeen percent of parents had plans to followupnafter receiving a brochure indicating that their child would benefit from a comprehensive eyenexam. However, after a conversation with the school nurse, 86% had plans to schedule an evaluationnwith an eye care professional. Of the 15 students with known follow-up, 10 received glasses.nThe described method is effective in identifying young children with potential vision problemsnand facilitating their correction after contact made by the school nurse.