Development and Validation of a New Method for Visual Acuity Assessment on Tablet in Pediatric Population: eMOVA Test

Abstract

Background Amblyopia is a major public health problem. Its screening and management require reliable methods of assessing visual acuity. Many tests are available, some of which are used as a reference and the advent of new technologies sees many others whose validity is not proven. The objective of our study was to develop a tablet-based visual acuity test adapted to the pediatric population: the eMOVA test (electronic Measurement Of Visual Acuity). Methods We did a study comparing the eMOVA test with the Rossano-Weiss test. All children aged 3 to 8 attending the ophthalmic and pediatric consultation between September 2016 and June 2017 were included. The results in terms of visual acuity were compared as well as the duration of each test, its comprehension, its acceptability and the attention of the child during the test. Results The eMOVA test overestimated visual acuity by 0.06 logMAR. This difference, statistically significant, was not clinically relevant. The duration of the eMOVA test was longer than the reference test, but it was less painful and more appreciated by children and their parents. Conclusion The e-MOVA test appears as a reliable method of assessing visual acuity that could be used both in consultation and on a larger scale in the context of screening as well as for the care of the most difficult children.