Technologies supporting vision screening: a protocol for a scoping
                        review

Ali, Qasim; Heldal, Ilona; Helgesen, Carsten; Krumina, Gunta; Tvedt, Marianne Nesbjørg

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050819

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…A keyword search was conducted on three electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE [PubMed]). These databases have also been used for reviews in both hearing and vision studies recently (26)(27)(28)(29)(30). An exploratory search utilizing keywords ("hearing screening") AND ("vision screening") was conducted on 17 May 2022 on Scopus.…”

Section: Information Sources and Search Strategymentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined hearing and vision screening programs: A scoping review

Oosthuizen

Frisby

Chadha

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

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Background and aimThe World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.5 billion and 2.2 billion people have hearing and vision impairment, respectively. The burden of these non-communicable diseases is highest in low- and middle-income countries due to a lack of services and health professionals. The WHO has recommended universal health coverage and integrated service delivery to improve ear and eye care services. This scoping review describes the evidence for combined hearing and vision screening programs.MethodA keyword search of three electronic databases, namely Scopus, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Web of Science, was conducted, resulting in 219 results. After removing duplicates and screening based on eligibility criteria, data were extracted from 19 included studies. The Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer Manual and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyzes (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews were followed. A narrative synthesis was conducted.ResultsMost studies (63.2%) were from high-income countries, with 31.6% from middle-income and 5.2% from low-income countries. The majority of studies (78.9%) involved children and the four studies reporting on adults all included adults above 50 years of age. Vision screening was most commonly performed with the “Tumbling E” and “Snellen Chart,” while hearing was typically screened using pure tone audiometry. Studies reported referral rates as the most common outcome with sensitivity and specificity rates not reported in any included articles. Reported benefits of combined vision and hearing screenings included earlier detection of vision and hearing difficulties to support functioning and quality of life as well as resource sharing for reduced costs. Challenges to combined screening included ineffective follow-up systems, management of test equipment, and monitoring of screening personnel.ConclusionsThere is limited research evidence for combined hearing and vision screening programs. Although potential benefits are demonstrated, especially for mHealth-supported programs in communities, more feasibility and implementation research are required, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and across all age groups. Developing universal, standardized reporting guidelines for combined sensory screening programs is recommended to enhance the standardization and effectiveness of combined sensory screening programs.

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Section: Information Sources and Search Strategymentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined hearing and vision screening programs: A scoping review

Oosthuizen

Frisby

Chadha

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

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show abstract

“…Furthermore, refractive error, strabismus, and amblyopia affect between 5% and 10% of preschool-age children [2]. Vision problems such as these have been shown to affect future academic performance and the social and mental health of children [3]. Early vision screening can help prevent vision impairment, which may be prevented or treated when addressed early [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vision Screenings and Ophthalmology Referrals Among a Sample of Pediatricians in Florida

Sharma,

Huertas,

Savatovsky

et al. 2024

Cureus

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IntroductionIn Florida, mandated school vision screenings begin around the age of five. However, a joint statement in the ophthalmology community recommends that primary care providers, including pediatricians, screen for eye and vision symptoms and signs starting at birth. This suggests that pediatricians may be the first to catch signs of early vision loss and refer pediatric patients to an ophthalmologist. This study aims to understand the current vision screening practices of a sample of pediatricians in Florida and how comfort levels with vision screenings may impact ophthalmology referrals. MethodsA survey with 36 questions was created by the authors of the study and sent to pediatricians through digital newsletters to the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and pediatric departments at Florida universities. Descriptive statistics were gathered regarding the demographics of pediatricians surveyed, vision screening attitudes and practices, vision concerns and ophthalmology referrals from pediatric clinics, and the most common reasons for referral to an ophthalmologist. The Jonckheere-Terpstra nonparametric trend test was used to examine whether decreased comfort performing vision screening on a child was associated with lower rates of urgent referrals to an optometrist or ophthalmologist. ResultsForty-six responses were collected. Seventy-eight percent of pediatricians reported performing early childhood vision screening (n=36). There was considerable variability in vision screening practices among the pediatricians studied, with only 66% beginning screenings from zero to two years of age (n=24). Fifty percent of respondents reported receiving no previous training on performing vision screening, and less than half of respondents reported feeling "somewhat comfortable" or "extremely comfortable" with performing the exam (n=22, 48%). The trend between decreased comfort performing pediatric vision screening and lower rates of urgent eye care referrals was approaching statistical significance (p=0.0705). The majority of urgent referrals were provided by respondents who were somewhat or extremely comfortable with screening (n=13, 65%). ConclusionFrom this sample of pediatricians in Florida, most respondents reported performing early childhood vision screening, but there was notable variability in the way screenings were performed among pediatricians. Moreover, many had never received training on performing the exam or did not feel comfortable performing them. Decreased comfort with vision screenings was almost significantly associated with decreased urgent referrals to an ophthalmologist. Future studies should examine whether increased training on vision screenings may help improve standardization of screening practices among pediatrics and comfort with vision screenings.

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“…[2] Vision problems such as these have been shown to affect future academic performance and the social and mental health of children. [3] Early vision screening can help prevent vision impairment which may be prevented or treated when addressed early. [2] For children younger than 5 years old, the age at which most mandatory school vision screening begin, eye health is typically monitored by a child's primary care provider (PCP) or pediatrician.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Vision Screening Attitudes and Practices Among Pediatricians on Ophthalmology Referrals in Florida

Sharma,

Huertas,

Savatovsky

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Introduction: In Florida, mandated school vision screening begin around the age of five. However, a joint statement in the ophthalmology community recommends that primary care providers, including pediatricians, screen for eye and vision symptoms and signs starting at birth. This suggests that pediatricians may be the first to catch signs of early vision loss and refer pediatric patients to an ophthalmologist. This study aims to understand how current vision screening attitudes and practices of pediatricians in Florida may impact ophthalmology referrals. Methods A survey with 36 questions regarding was sent to pediatricians through digital newsletters to the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and pediatric departments at Florida universities. The Jonckheere-Terpstra test was used to examine whether decreased comfort performing an eye/vision screening on a child was associated with lower rates of urgent referrals to an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Results 46 responses were collected. 50% of respondents reported receiving no previous training on performing vision screening, and less than half of respondents reported feeling “somewhat comfortable” or “extremely comfortable” with performing the exam (48%). The trend between decreased comfort performing pediatric vision screening and lower rates of urgent eye care referrals was approaching significance (p = 0.0705). The majority of urgent referrals were provided by respondents who were somewhat or extremely comfortable with screening (65%). Conclusion/Relevance: While most of the surveyed pediatricians perform early childhood vision screening (78%), many report that they have never received training on performing the exam or do not feel comfortable performing them. Increased training on vision screening procedures may help improve comfort levels and preparedness regarding vision screening, which may encourage more urgent referrals to ophthalmologists from pediatric clinics.

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Technologies supporting vision screening: a protocol for a scoping review

Cited by 6 publications

References 25 publications

Combined hearing and vision screening programs: A scoping review

Combined hearing and vision screening programs: A scoping review

Vision Screenings and Ophthalmology Referrals Among a Sample of Pediatricians in Florida

Impact of Vision Screening Attitudes and Practices Among Pediatricians on Ophthalmology Referrals in Florida

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