Community vision screening in preschoolers: initial experience using the Plusoptix S12C automated photoscreening camera.

OBJECTIVE

Amblyopia is the leading cause of monocular vision impairment in children. Early intervention is critical to prevent permanent vision impairment. Preschool vision screening programs in Canada are limited. This study reports the initial results of a community-wide vision screening program for preschoolers using the Plusoptix S12C Photoscreener (Plusoptix Inc, Nuremburg, Germany).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

PARTICIPANTS

For this study, 1443 children aged 18-59 months were recruited and screened in various community settings in London, Ontario.

METHODS

Participants were screened with the Plusoptix S12C device from September 2015 to May 2016. Data were analyzed for percentage of children referred for amblyogenic risk factors using the Arnold 2012 referral criteria. Referral, inconclusive results, follow-up rate, and positive predictive value were reported.

RESULTS

Data from 1321 children were analyzed. Mean age of children meeting the inclusion criteria was 34.1 ± 9.6 (18-58) months. One hundred and nineteen children were referred to an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam; 39 (3.0%) were inconclusive screens. The referral rate for children detected with amblyogenic risk factors was 6.1%. Forty (50.0%) children were documented as complying with the follow-up examination. The positive predictive value was 81.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our community-wide vision screening program identified in a timely, manner, 80 preschoolers with amblyogenic risk factors previously unknown to be present. Results identified children with amblyogenic risk factors that may have gone undetected. This program could serve as a model for consideration by policy makers.