Recorded presentation

Lynn A Cyert, PhD, OD, Northeastern State University College of Optometry, on behalf of the Vision In Preschoolers (VIP) Study Group, 1001 N. Grand Ave., Tahlequah, OK 74464, 9184565511x4007, cyert@nsuok.edu

The VIP Study is a multi-center, interdisciplinary phased clinical study to evaluate the accuracy of screening tests in identifying preschool children in need of further evaluation for vision disorders. Performance of 11 vision screening tests administered by licensed eye care professionals (LEPs) was evaluated. LEPs (optometrists and ophthalmologists experienced in working with children) completed training and certification for each test. Children ages 3 to 5 enrolled in Head Start at 5 VIP Clinical Centers were selected in each of two years. Samples were enriched with children who failed the routine Head Start vision screening. In Year 01, 1,142 children were screened using non-cycloplegic retinoscopy, the Retinomax autorefractor, Lea Symbols and HOTV visual acuity tests, Random Dot E stereoacuity test, and cover-uncover test. In Year 02, 1,446 children were screened using the SureSight Vision Screener, Retinomax autorefractor, MTI and iScreen photoscreeners, Power Refractor II video/photoscreener, and Stereo Smile II stereoacuity test. All children received an eye exam, including cycloplegic refraction, by LEPs masked to screening results. Exam results were used to classify children as having: amblyopia, strabismus, significant refractive error, or no condition. Screening test results could be obtained on 98% of children for each test except one. Test-related specificity and sensitivity for all conditions, each condition, and conditions stratified into 3 severity groups show that screening tests administered by highly trained personnel in a controlled environment vary widely in performance. Overall, 3 non-photorefractive methods for assessment of refractive error performed better than 2 static photorefraction tests.

Learning Objectives:

The learning objectives for this presentation are to
• provide results that compare the effectiveness of 11 tests used to screen the vision of young children 3- to 5-years of age and
• provide an overview of the VIP Study including future phases.

Keywords: Vision Care, Screening Instruments

Related Web page: www.nei.nih.gov/neitrials/static/study85.htm and http://optometry.osu.edu/research/vip

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation