ERIC Number: EJ877655
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-8405
EISSN: N/A
Use of a Noncycloplegic Autorefractor to Perform Vision Screening in Preschools
Clarke, Noreen; Shacks, Janice; Kerr, Amanda R. E.; Bottrell, Christine L.; Poulsen, Marie Kanne; Yin, Larry
Journal of School Nursing, v24 n3 p158-163 2008
Early detection and treatment of vision disorders in children are important to avoid lifelong visual impairment; however, preschool vision-screening rates are low. Traditional methods of screening lack the precision of objective tests and are difficult to administer in preschoolers. This study adopted a method using school nurses to conduct vision screening in preschoolers with a portable autorefractor. In addition, the effectiveness of the school nurse in conducting follow-up was evaluated. In a sample of 600 children, more than 98% completed the screening, and 7% were referred for follow-up evaluation. Seventeen percent of parents had plans to follow-up after receiving a brochure indicating that their child would benefit from a comprehensive eye exam. However, after a conversation with the school nurse, 86% had plans to schedule an evaluation with an eye care professional. Of the 15 students with known follow-up, 10 received glasses. The described method is effective in identifying young children with potential vision problems and facilitating their correction after contact made by the school nurse. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Visual Impairments, School Nurses, Vision Tests, Measurement Equipment, Screening Tests, Preschool Children, Measurement Techniques, At Risk Persons, Urban Schools, Health Promotion
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A