Purpose: A visual screening test for children was prepared for the use of paramedics during vaccination campaigns. This test was used in a vaccination campaign in Taquaritinga, Säo Paulo, Brazil. Methods: The campaign was carried out by two paramedics trained by ophthalmologists. The first 130 children vaccinated whose families showed interest in participating in the visual screening program were chosen. The program consisted of demographic information and eight questions, a visual screening test for children >4 years, and an external eye examination. After studying the data collected, the paramedic decided if the child needed a more thorough ophthalmologic examination. Results: Of the 4505 children vaccinated, 130 children participated in the screening test. One (76.9%) hundred of the 1 30 children were reexamined by ophthalmologists. Of these, 38 (29.2%) were initially considered to have visual disorders. Ophthalmologic disorders were confirmed in 22 (57.9 %) children; of these, 3 were already under ophthalmologic care. The paramedics correctly screened a total of 77 (77%) children. Conclusion: Visual screening during vaccination campaigns is simple and rapid, and provides the opportunity to identify children with visual disorders during the critical stage of visual development without the need of ophthalmologists. Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus; 2000;37:68-72.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.