Paediatric community vision screening - a new model

The purpose of this study was to establish if a community based model using a Hospital Optometrist and Community Orthoptist can provide a practical se condary Vision screening service for children. These professionals working in an Inner London Health Centre, assessed children who had failed primary vision screening. In total 483 new patients were seen between April 1994 an d March 1996 with the largest referral source being the school nurse screen ing programme. The majority were managed by the team with a total onward re ferral rate to the Hospital Eye Service of 14%. In 78% of these cases the c onsultant's diagnosis agreed with the reason for referral. Where the consul tant's diagnosis differed the children were identified as normal or a varia nt of normal. This model of care provides a 'one stop service' where a chil d identified as having a potential visual problem at primary screening can be assessed, refracted and provided with spectacles in a local setting with out hospital referral. Referrals to the Hospital Eye Service are considerab ly reduced and a convenient service is provided for parents and children. ( C) 1999 The College of Optometrists. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.