Beyond three: MCH nurses' assessment leads to early interventions.

This study reports the results of a one year trial of a comprehensive developmental assessment, including vision and hearing screening, of three to four year olds in one municipality. Initial results indicated that over 50% of the 790 children assessed had no identifiable problems, this increased a further 15% after retesting. One hundred and eighty-seven children were referred to a variety of agencies, mainly for vision and audiological reassessment. One hundred and thirty-five referrals for further investigation were for children whose problems were confirmed and appropriately managed.