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Volunteers needed for vision screenings
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TAMPA, Fla. – A study that examined vision screenings in Ohio preschool students found a need for more volunteers to use the best tests available, according to a poster presented here at the American Academy of Optometry meeting.
“This study documents the realities incurred when screening programs are mandated without guidelines or the knowledge of screening test effectiveness,” the abstract says.
“Vision screenings are a pubic health concept, so let’s use the best tools that are available,” researcher Paulette Schmidt, OD, a Primary Care Optometry News Editorial Board member, said.
The study found that the number of children who are screened and referred to optometrists in Ohio is significantly lower than the national average.
“We’re doing the screenings, but a lot of kids are falling through the cracks,” Jay Meents, study co-author, said.
In answer to that, the study suggests training and using volunteers from 4-H programs across the state. They used those high-school age students in three Ohio Counties in a pilot study.
“There are 30,000 young people in the 4-H program,” Dr. Schmidt said. “We’re looking at a huge potential pool of volunteers there.”
The study determined the three best tests for screening vision are: Sure Sight Vision Screener, Single Crowded Lea Symbols Vision Screener at 5 feet and Retinomax autorefractor.