VISION SCREENING OF PRESCHOOL-CHILDREN - EVALUATING THE PAST, LOOKINGTOWARD THE FUTURE

Vision problems of preschool children are detectable with a comprehens ive eye examination; however, it is estimated that only 14% of childre n below the age of 6 years receive an eye examination. Screening is ad vocated as a cost-effective alternative to identify children in need o f further vision care. Thirty-four states recommend or require vision screening of preschool children. Although laws and guidelines exist, o nly 21% of preschool children are actually screened for vision problem s. There is little agreement concerning the best screening methods, an d no validated, highly effective model for screening vision of prescho ol children. Newer screening tests have been designed specifically for preschool populations, and can be administered by lay screeners. Many have not been validated. Several are recommended by states or organiz ations without convincing scientific evidence of their effectiveness. This paper summarizes current laws and guidelines for preschool vision screening in the United States, reviews advantages and disadvantages of several test procedures, and provides recommendations for developin g future preschool vision screening programs.