Abstract
Background Pediatric vision screening has been shown to reduce the prevalence of amblyopia. To assess the current local situation in the Canton of St. Gallen, a survey study was performed.
Methods A standardized questionnaire was sent to 191 general practitioners and school doctors to obtain information on the currently applied vision screening protocols for children. The questionnaire included 17 questions with multiple answers possible.
Results Sixty-seven participants (35%) answered the survey. Overall, 61 (91%) of the repliers confirmed that some sort of vision screening exists. According to 45 (67%) repliers, a mandatory examination exists. As to the question about the person performing the examination, multiple answers were given; 39 (44%) answered that the secretary or the medical practical assistant performs the vision tests, 15 (17%) indicated the school doctor, and 25 (28%) indicated the general practitioner or the pediatrician. Most screening tests are performed in a general practitionerʼs practice (32; 40%), some are done in the kindergartens (17; 21%), and others are done in a pediatricianʼs practice (17; 21%). The majority of children are tested at the age of 5 – 6 years (58, 87%). Sixty-one (91%) of the repliers indicated that at least the childrenʼs visual acuity is measured. Acuity is assessed with different methods, mainly, with pictures (20; 30%), numbers (23; 34%), and Snellen optotypes (33; 49%).
Conclusions There are no consistent regulations regarding vision screening in the Canton of St. Gallen. Actually, rather different screening scenarios exist. Tests are performed by a variety of people in different locations with diverse testing procedures. A standardization of the applied screening procedures at cantonal and national levels seems reasonable.
Effectiveness of routine population‐wide orthoptic preschool vision screening tests at age 6–24 months in the Netherlands