Abstract
Purpose :
The implementation of instrument-based vision screening in our affiliated general pediatric offices has significantly increased compliance with Bright Futures guidelines that screening occur at all 3-, 4- and 5-year-old Well Child Checks (WCCs.) In particular using monocular visual acuity protocols with 3-year-olds was only successful 6% of the time, whereas with the photo screening instrument we are now successful with this age group at approximately 85% of WCCs. The purpose of this report is to compare the rate of “good” referrals between the two screening strategies. Specifically, a “good” referral was defined as treatment by the specialist requiring follow-up in the eye clinic.
We identified the number of 3-year olds screened during 2019 using monocular visual acuity and 2022 using instrument-based screening. Our referral criteria for the instrument were based on the manufacturer’s suggestion.
Methods :
In 2019, a total of 38 patients in this age range were referred for a comprehensive eye examination. Of those only 19 (50%) were seen at one of Akron Children’s Vision Centers. Of those examined, 8 (21%) received the recommendation of “Return to Clinic,” in other words, the eye care specialists deemed the child as needing specific intervention. In 2022, a total of 701 patients in this age range were referred for a comprehensive eye examination. Of those only 312 (45%) were seen at one of Akron Children’s Vision Centers. Of those examined, 133 (19%) received the recommendation of “Return to Clinic,” in other words, the eye care specialists deemed the child as needing specific intervention.
Results :
While there was a significant increase in the numbers of 3-year olds who completed vision screening in the pediatric office and were referred for follow-up to the Vision Center, it is interesting to note that the percent of children not seen, as well as the percent who were noted as requiring follow-up to the specialty clinic were essentially equivalent. (See Table 1)
Conclusions :
Limitations to our follow-up data include the fact that some of the children referred for a comprehensive eye examination may have been seen by providers outside of Akron Children’s Hospital System. This would likely have been consistent betwen the two time periods.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.