Assessing vision in young children: Communication skills

Abstract

Measurement of visual functions is critical to the detection and diagnosis of eye disease, particularly in children where eliciting symptomology can be challenging. An effective practitioner-patient relationship is crucial in optometric practice and has numerous benefits such as increased satisfaction, good compliance to assessment and treatment. The aim of this work is to share my experience of assessing visual functions (visual acuity, stereopsis, and computer-based visual psychophysical testing) in infants and children. I will discuss some unique strategies in order gain attention of children ranging from infants to preschoolers. The importance of the waiting area, use of colorful toys, appropriate use of tests and language are a few among many strategies for getting through a pediatric vision assessment. Based on my 9 years experience as a pediatric optometrist and a child vision researcher, these approaches has been quite successful in conducting hundreds of pediatric vision assessments. A friendly clinician equipped with interesting age appropriate tests and colorful toys along with some essential communication skills can easily conduct a thorough and efficient pediatric vision assessment.

Agreement between Lea Symbols and Patti Pics visual acuity in children and adults

“… 3 Recognition visual acuity in adults is assessed using letter charts however such charts are not applicable to preschool children due to their poor verbal fluency, limited attention span and active behavior. 4 , 5 Over the last 15–20 years, realizing the importance of vision in early life various professional organizations and societies worldwide have shown a significant amount of interest in vision screening in preschool children. 6 The main aim of such screening programs is the early detection of refractive error and amblyopia, the two most common treatable visual disorders in children.…”