Optometric Screening of Elementary Students in Greece

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to provide a wide screening test in elementary school students in Greece in order to trace undiagnosed visual deficiencies, which can affect the visual performance and efficiency. Methods: Examination procedures were approved by the Ministry of Education for the optometric team to enter the school premises and perform the assessments. The researchers performed optometric testing according to standard protocols to evaluate visual acuity (VA), near point of convergence (NPC), accommodative amplitude and facility, vergence facility, stereopsis, and pursuit and saccade oculomotor function. Results: The 835 students that were examined came from a total number of 14 schools so as to enable social stratification of high, medium, and low living standards. Fewer than 17% of the children managed to pass all visual tests at published goal levels. Testing identified a significant number of students who had undiagnosed visual deficiencies (83%). Conclusion: Visual Function in elementary students needs to be evaluated on a regular basis following a comprehensive Optometric screening so that a wide range of visual dysfunctions can be detected. Our ultimate goal is to ensure adequate conditions for every student to develop vision skills needed to meet academic demands.