The feasibility of introducing a visual screening test for children duringvaccination campaigns

Purpose: A visual screening test for children was prepared for the use of p aramedics during vaccination campaigns. This lest was used in a vaccination campaign in Taquaritinga, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods: The campaign was carried out by two paramedics trained by ophthalm ologists. The first 130 children vaccinated whose families showed interest in participating in the visual screening program were chosen. The program c onsisted of demographic information and eight questions, a visual screening test for children >4 years, and an external eye examination. After studyin g the data collected, the paramedic decided lithe child needed a more thoro ugh ophthalmologic examination. Results: Of the 4505 children vaccinated, 130 children participated in the screening test. One (76.9%) hundred of the 130 children were reexamined by ophthalmologists. Of these, 38 (29.2%) were initially considered to have vi sual disorders. Ophthalmologic disorders were confirmed in 22 (57.9%) child ren; of these, 3 were already under ophthalmologic care. The paramedics cor rectly screened a total of 77 (77%) children. Conclusion: Visual screening during vaccination campaigns is simple and rap id, and provides the opportunity to identify children with visual disorders during the critical stage of visual development without the need of ophtha lmologists.