Vision disorders are the fourth most common disability in the United States and comprise the most widespread handicapping condition in childhood. Early detection of vision problems, such as amblyopia, strabismus, and significant refractive error, ensures effective treatment and arrest the further development of many of these conditions. Yet
- <15 % of preschool children undergo a comprehensive eye examination and
- <22% receive any type of vision screening.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association of Certified Orthoptists, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus have issued a joint policy statement recommending that every child undergo a comprehensive vision examination before entering school, preferably between the ages of 3 and 3/12 years.
The National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, created the Vision in Preschoolers (VIP), a multicenter clinical study designed to determine the efficacy and accuracy of preschool vision testing for amblyopia, strabismus, significant refractive error, and/or reduced visual acuity. During the first 2 study phases, approximately 4000 children received comprehensive eye examinations to test for these conditions.
The results of phases 1 and 2 indicated that >99% of children enrolled in the study were able to be successfully tested. Moreover, when the tests were used by highly skilled personnel, such as ophthalmologists trained to work with young children, approximately 66% of children within ?1 targeted disorders were identified, as well as 90% of those children with the most serious conditions. Phase 3 is still ongoing.