Exploring Pre-school Vision Screening in Primary Care Offices in Alabama

Authors

Marsh-Tootle, Wendy L.; Frazier, Marcela G.; Kohler, Connie L.; Dillard, Carey M.; Davis, Kathryn; Schoenberger, Yu-Mei; Wall, Terry C.

Exploring Pre-school Vision Screening in Primary Care Offices in Alabama

publication date

Abstract/Introduction

Purpose.

To investigate practices, barriers, and facilitators of universal pre-school vision screening (PVS) at pediatric primary care offices.

Methods.

Focus group sessions (FGS) were moderated on-site at nine pediatric practices. A semi-structured topic guide was used to standardize and facilitate FGS. Discussions were audiotaped, and transcriptions were used to develop themes. All authors reviewed and agreed on the resultant themes.

Conclusion/Results

Results.

FGS included 13 physicians and 32 nurses/certified medical assistants (CMAs), of whom 82% personally conducted some facet of PVS. In all practices, nurses/CMAs tested visual acuity (most using a non-recommended test), and physicians completed vision screening with external observation, fix/follow, red reflex, and cover test. Facilitators included (1) accepting that PVS is a routine part of the well-child visit, and (2) using an electronic medical record with prompts to record acuity (eight of nine practices). Barriers were related to difficulty testing pre-schoolers, distractions in the office setting, time constraints, and limited reimbursement.

Conclusions.

Responsibility for PVS is shared by physicians and nurses/CMAs; thus, interventions to improve PVS should target both. Few practices are aware of new evidence-based PVS tests; thus, active translational efforts are needed to change current primary care practices.

Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

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Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

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Seems much less frustrated with life

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Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

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When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!