The aim of this paper is to describe experts’ perceptions of best practice guidelines and competency frameworks for visual screening in children. A focus group of approximately 75 minutes duration consisted of five orthoptists and two paediatric ophthalmologists with more than 10 years’ experience in childhood screening. The discussions were recorded and transcribed, followed by qualitative analysis with categorical technique using coded data and classification for conceptual categories. Participants indicated their awareness of the importance of the screening protocol with six tests, importance of false negatives, professional experience and stages in screening. Agreement was reached on six tests to include in screening for children up to three years of age including distance visual acuity, cover test, bi-prism or 4/6 prism, fusion, ocular movements and refraction. The findings provide preliminary support for the use of a core competency framework.
Vision screening opinion
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Expert opinion on best practice guidelines and competency framework for visual screening in children.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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