Can a multiply-handicapped, mentally deficient or “special needs” child-adult be examined?
A. The examination is geared to the patient’s developmental not chronological age. Time and patience are necessary components when examining a child with “special needs.” For those who have not acquired automatic letter recognition, visual acuity is effectively measured with picture charts, striped black and white gratings or size graded balls. Computers, microscopes, eye drops and other developmentally appropriate tests assist us in determining the child’s focusing error, muscle coordination, eye movement (tracking) accuracy, color vision, peripheral vision, visual perception development and the health of the eyes with excellent reliability. The information obtained is extremely valuable in increasing the patient’s developmental, educational and vocational potential.
