What is the difference between vision screening and a comprehensive eye examination, and which is more appropriate for most children?
Vision screening is more efficient and cost effective (which allows many more children to be examined) than a complete examination on every child. Only about 2 to 4% of children have an eye problem that requires treatment, so it is not practical to perform a comprehensive eye examination on every child. In addition, some problems are missed on a one time comprehensive eye examination, so it is preferable to have several screenings performed over time. Also, mandated comprehensive eye examinations likely result in glasses being prescribed unnecessarily for many children. Nevertheless, if a child has known risk factors for eye disease, if there is a family history of pediatric eye disease, or if a child has signs or symptoms suspicious for a vision problem, it is reasonable and appropriate for a child to have a comprehensive eye examination.
