Pediatric vision screening: The Colorado school nurse experience

Abstract

Colorado schools are required by law to perform vision screening. The aim of the study was to elucidate the vision screening process from the school nurse perspective. An electronic questionnaire distributed to Colorado school nurses, and developed by the author, was used to query Colorado nurses about the logistical challenges they face when performing vision screening. Common challenges faced when performing vision screening included: inadequate staff to perform vision screening, inadequate space to complete testing, uncooperative students, and poor parental compliance with referrals for further evaluation after their child failed their vision screen. Most nurses do not use instrument-based screening. Many nurses did not properly occlude the eyes when performing monocular visual acuity testing, which may lead to false negative screening results. The results of the questionnaire suggest there are opportunities to improve the vision screening process by nurses in Colorado schools.