Comparing the effectiveness of vision screenings as part of the school entrance physical examination to comprehensive vision examinations in children ages 3 to 6: an exploratory study.

Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the effectiveness of vision screenings performed during school entrance physical examinations compared with comprehensive vision examinations in the state of Kentucky, which mandates comprehensive eye examinations for children, ages 3 to 6, who are entering the public school system.

Methods And Subjects: In this exploratory study, 1,386 children had forms submitted from 36 optometrists and 1 ophthalmologist reporting on their vision and eye problems. Vision and eye problems were defined as the presence of strabismus, amblyopia, or a refractive error requiring an optical correction, as determined by the optometrists or ophthalmologist using cycloplegic refraction.

Vision examinations for all children entering public school--the new Kentucky law.

Background: Kentucky was the first state in the United States to pass a law requiring an eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist for each child entering public school, public preschool, or Head Start program for the first time. The law became effective on July 15, 2000.

Method: Forty-three of 334 Kentucky Optometric Association members were surveyed by the Kentucky Optometric Association.