Acuity measurements in adult subjects using a preferential looking test.

Preferential looking (PL), as a technique for assessing visual acuity, was designed for use with young infants. There are occasions when a practitioner may need to use a PL test with an adult who is unable to participate in acuity measures with conventional optotype tests (such as an adult with learning disabilities, stroke damage or dementia). In preparation for the development of an adult-appropriate PL test, this study compared scores with the Cardiff Acuity Test (CAT, which was designed as a PL test) and a standard LogMAR-based test, the Lea chart.

Influence of target type and RAF rule on the measurement of near point of convergence.

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate if the use of different target types or the RAF rule affected the measurement of near point of convergence (NPC).

Methods: The subjects comprised three groups: (1) 20 children aged 6-9 years (2) 17 children aged 11-13 years (3) 14 adults aged 20-30 years. Five targets were used to measure the NPC: (1) pencil tip, (2) fingertip, (3) penlight, (4) N5 letter and (5) vertical line target on the RAF rule.

Improvements in performance following optometric vision therapy in a child with dyspraxia.

SS, an 8-year-old boy with dyspraxia, presented for behavioural optometry assessment. He had been diagnosed with a subtle form of dyspraxia by his paediatric occupational therapist, based on poor proprioception, delayed bilateral integration and poor visual perception. A full visual assessment was carried out.

Ocular and visual defects amongst people with intellectual disabilities participating in Special Olympics.

Purpose: To analyse data from vision screening of people with intellectual disabilities from the UK participating in Special Olympics during the National Summer Games in Cardiff 2001, in order to determine visual status and access to eye care.

Methods: Athletes were invited to take part in vision screening, according to Special Olympics protocols.

Results: Testability rates were high.