THE APPLICATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE VISUAL SCREENING PROGRAMME TO CHILDREN AGED 3–5 YEARS. CAN A MODIFIED PROCEDURE BE DEVISED FOR VISUAL SCREENING BY ANCILLARY STAFF?

Abstract— Current commercially available tests to examine visual performance in children are discussed and adapted for a visual screening programme applied to 249 children aged 3–5 years at school or playgroup premises. Correlation of refractive and ocular muscle findings with the remaining tests is evaluated. A simplified screening procedure is thereby recommended which may be undertaken by ancillary staff, without any need for sophisticated equipment. This would enable identification, for further examination, of most children whose refraction and eye coordination are outside normal limits.