The Purpose of Vision Screening is to detect progressive, serious pediatric eye disorders, and particularly amblyopia, in a cost effective manner and at an early enough time that treatment will be effective. Some tests work better than others in screening serious pediatric eye disorders. ABCD recommends age-appropriate guidelines. Our 2013 Favorites.

A pediatrician will refer certain children for a confirmatory eye examination if that child has a positive family history of certain conditions, or if that child has certain medical conditions (Risk Factors). Parents should be vigilent for Warning Signs of Pediatric Eye Disorders.

Since amblyopia is a condition characterized by decreased visual acuity in one or both eyes, sensory tests of acuity and / or depth perception can identify patients with amblyopia or other pediatric eye disorders. Diopsys used a automated VEP "acuity" test. Parents can download a Home Acuity Test , download a Powerpoint HOTVAX test, or try the FAST.

Amblyopia is often associated with poor focus (refractive error), poor alignment and/or disruptions of light getting into the eye, objective tests of the optics and anatomy of the eyes can detect risk factors early in (sometimes before) the onset of amblyopia. Objective tests include direct observation of reflected light in both pupils (Bruckner Test) or photoscreening. Other objective tests include remote autorefraction, foveal birefringence and visual evoked potential (VEP). Infants should have redreflex test and cover test. Objective Tests have increased benefit very EARLY, in Infants and toddlers. Instrument Screeners Listed

Consumer flash digital cameras can be used as photoscreeners (ADBC). PlusOptix computer-interprets their infrared photoscreens.

The results or interpretations of vision screen tests modifies the need for, and ugency of, confirmatory eye examination.

With insurance utilization of CPT code 99174, pediatric practices should choose a photoscreener.