Pediatric and School-Age Vision Screening in the United States: Rationale, Components, and Future Directions

Pediatric vision screening detects children at risk for visual conditions with the goal of connecting those in need with an eye care provider for evaluation and treatment. The primary aim for vision screening in younger children is the detection of those at risk for amblyopia, which can result in irreversible vision loss if left untreated. In older children, screening goals broaden to include the detection of risk for uncorrected refractive error. In the United States, professional organization guidelines and state-mandated requirements for vision screening vary widely across both the timing and components of screening. In this article, we describe the goals and components of pediatric vision screenings, current challenges, novel approaches to providing follow-up services through school-based vision programs, and future directions.

Automated summary

Pediatric vision screening aims to identify children at risk for visual conditions and connect them with eye care providers for evaluation and treatment. The primary focus is detecting those at risk for amblyopia in younger children, which can cause permanent vision loss if not treated. Screening goals expand to include detecting risk for uncorrected refractive error in older children. Guidelines and requirements for vision screening vary widely in the United States. This article discusses the goals and components of pediatric vision screenings, current challenges, innovative approaches through school-based programs, and future directions.