A vision screening exam is essential to ensure a child’s sensory development. It is a short examination that can detect a problem with a child’s eyesight. This is especially important so that treatment can be most effective. Most of the time the test is conducted using vision testing machines in an optometrists office or at school. According to the current vision screening guidelines, all children above 3 years of age should undergo an annual vision screening to identify and treat vision problems early. Beginning in 5th grade, screening is recommended every other year.
The eye screening for children provided in school can detect basic problems, but not all vision problems. They should not be relied on to provide the same results as a comprehensive eye examination. Apart from other vision screening devices like photo screeners, autorefractors and tonometers, computerized vision screeners are being used nowadays to test visual acuity.
Vision screeners like Depisteo VT1 have a technology that uses a software to automate assessment of visual acuity (with standardized charts). The advantages of computerized vision screening process include the ability to collect and report data, to employ validated vision screening protocols (e.g. the Amblyopia Treatment Study Protocol, etc.), to pre-program the eye chart selection based on age, and to facilitate uniform and accurate screening with less variability among different proctors administering the screening.
Vision Screeners in School
Having a vision screener in schools makes it easier to detect eye problems. If a child does have more concerning issues, a parent can be notified and referred to a doctor. Training certified nurses to use vision testing machines saves a huge amount of time and energy for staff, reduces overall workload and provides wider coverage of eye care services.
How Does the Depisteo Vision Screener Work?
The Despiteo Vision Screener is a compact, transportable device designed to help users quickly and easily diagnose vision-related issues in patients. It can be used directly on children as young as 6 months old and continue into adulthood.
Because of its versatility, the vision screener is a good option to invest in, especially in schools. A vision screener takes a look at both eyes at the same time. The touch-screen display permits activation with a single touch, simple method of patient data-entry, and easy configuration for both vision screening and autorefraction applications.
3 Misconceptions about School Vision Testing Machines
Tests done in schools are limited: The eye tests being done in a small area in a school and also for a large number of students make the parents think that the full tests are not done or that the tests are limited.
Results are inaccurate: Many times, a vision test is conducted by school nurses, teachers, or volunteers who are optometrists. Therefore, parents naturally think that they do not have the knowledge to competently assess the deviation from normal vision screening results.
Equipment may be of poor quality and inadequate in schools as compared to a doctors office: Lack of knowledge regarding the vision screening devices lead to such misconceptions. Also, since the eye test for children in schools is free of cost, it is natural that the parents may think that the vision testing machines may be of low quality.
Eye vision screening is important, especially for children to detect early eye problems. Vision testing machines like computerized vision screeners are easy to use, have accurate results that are easily understandable, and can be used in schools fearlessly even by teachers and school nurses. Remember that vision screening test can only identify the presence of eye diseases and diagnose eye vision problems like amblyopia and myopia, therefore annual comprehensive eye exams cannot be replaced by vision screening tests.