Reimbursements and Resources for Pediatric Vision Screening

Background and PurposeDespite accelerating growth in United States health care spending, expenditures for pediatric vision screening and treatment of amblyopia remain static. Recent studies have provided new insight into the value of amblyopia screening and treatment. Reasons for the relative lack of resources directed toward pediatric vision screening and proposals for positive future changes are discussed.Patients and MethodsA review of pertinent literature on the topic of the economics of pediatric vision screening and amblyopia treatment is presented. Methods to evaluate the relative value of medical interventions are examined as they pertain to pediatric vision screening. Comparisons of the value of pediatric vision screening to other medical interventions and to comprehensive preschool eye examinations are presented.ResultsThere is no published data on the amount of money spent in the United States on pediatric vision screening. However, current studies estimate the cost for a vision screening exami...