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Use of a Noncycloplegic Autorefractor to Perform Vision Screening in Preschools

Noreen Clarke, RN, MSN, is the project director of Child Health-Works, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Janice Shacks, RN, BSN

Janice Shacks, RN, BSN, is a nurse liaison at Infant Preschool Support Services, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles, CA

Amanda R. E. Kerr, MA

Amanda R. E. Kerr, MA, is a project coordinator at Child Health-Works, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Christine L. Bottrell, BA

Christine L. Bottrell, BA, is a consultant at Child Health-Works, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Marie Kanne Poulsen, PhD

Marie Kanne Poulsen, PhD, is a professor of pediatrics at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Larry Yin, MD, MSPH

Larry Yin, MD, MSPH, is an assistant professor of pediatrics, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

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.

Key Words: autorefractometer • follow-up • preschool children • vision screening

The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 24, No. 3, 158-163 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1059840544556677


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