Amer. Orthoptic Jrnl.
59(1):98-102 (2009); doi:10.3368/aoj.59.1.98
A Review of Primary Care Vision Screening
Pamela Hutt Berg, D.B.O., C.O. and
David T. Wheeler, M.D.
From the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon.
Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be addressed to: Pamela Hutt Berg, D.B.O., C.O., Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3375 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland, OR 97239.
 |
Abstract
|
|---|
Introduction and Background: Preschool vision screening (PVS) is an essential component of detecting treatable vision loss in young children. Many state screening programs are struggling to cope with unfunded mandates. Neither school nor community screenings are standardized, and often result in both under- and over-referrals.
Method: Compared to hearing and dental screenings, PVS is not being performed in the primary care office. Why is this, and what could be done to change the situation?
Results: To be effective, PVS relies on the participation of the primary care office that already has a rapport with the child and a relationship with the child’s family within the medical home. Vision screening can be included as part of wellness testing strategies.
Conclusion: The current state of PVS as evidenced by the literature points to a lack of education and training in the primary care arena. Orthoptists are ideally trained to perform accurate PVS and to emphasize its importance. Because of time constraints however, they might be better utilized as a teaching liaison between ophthalmology and pediatric / family practice training programs.
Key words: vision screening, primary care providers, education
|
REFERENCES
|
|---|
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine and Section on Ophthalmology. Eye examination in infants, children, and young adults by pediatricians. Pediatrics 2003; 111:902–907.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Hartmann EE, Dobson V, Hainline L, et al.: Preschool vision screening: Summary of a Task Force report on behalf of The Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the National Eye Institute Task Force on Vision Screening in the preschool child. Pediatrics 2000; 106:1105–1111.[Free Full Text]
- Hartmann EE, et al.: Project Universal Preschool Vision Screening: A demonstration project. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2006; 117: 2:2226–2237.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Medical Home Initiatives for Children with Special Needs Project Advisory Committee: The medical home. Pediatrics 2002; 110:184–186.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Kemper AR, Clark SJ: Preschool vision screening in pediatric practices. Clin Pediatr 2006; 45: 263–266.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Kemper AR, Clark SJ: Preschool vision screening by family physicians. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2007; 44:24–27.[Medline]
- Hered RW, Rothstein M: Preschool vision screening frequency after an office-based training for primary care staff. Pediatrics 2003; 112:17–21.[CrossRef]
- 1996 Survey from Ohio Department of Health, Children’s Hospital of Columbus and Prevent Blindness, Ohio.
- Szumlas GA: Development of an office based curriculum of common pediatric primary care skills for residents. Acad Med 2002; 77:749.[CrossRef][Medline]
- Klemper AR, Uren RL, Clark SJ: Barriers to follow-up eye care after preschool vision screening in the primary care setting: Findings from a pilot study. J AAPOS 2006; 10:476–478.[CrossRef][Medline]
- See by ThreeTM. The Children’s Eye Foundation Mission Statement: A program aimed at significantly reducing amblyopia in young children by the year 2010.
Copyright 2009 by The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
TOP
Abstract
REFERENCES
