[New possibilities screening of refractive errors among children].

Purpose: To establish early detection of refractive errors among children in Slovakia. Different screening methods have been evaluated and compared in this work.

Materials And Methods: we have been working on a prospective study. Pre-school children in kindergardens in Central Slovakia were checked up between years 2009-2011. Effectiveness of various screening methods was compared within 2 groups, using test-type and Plusoptix Vision Screener. Parentęs of children positive to refractive errors were recommended to consult a paediatrician ophthalmologist.

Results: 3982 children were examined. As a result, 13-14.1% of children who have not been examinated by the specialist, were positive. 53.3% of them went to see the doctor afterwards.

Conclusion: establishment of early refractive errors screening is an important method how to prevent strabismus and amblyopia. It is very important to improve parentęs knowledge about the risk of refractive errors and also to improve screening methods with collaboration with kindergarten teachers.