Validation of the Pediatric Vision Scanner in a normal preschool population.

Purpose: To assess the Pediatric Vision Scanner (PVS), a handheld vision screening device designed to test for amblyopia and strabismus, in a general pediatric population.

Methods: In this prospective study, trained research staff screened 300 eligible children 24-72 months of age with no known eye conditions for amblyopia and strabismus using the PVS. A pediatric ophthalmologist masked to PVS screening results then performed a comprehensive eye examination. Sensitivity and specificity of the PVS was calculated with a 95% confidence interval.

Results: Based on the gold standard eye examination, 6 children (2%) had amblyopia and/or strabismus. The PVS detected all 6 cases, yielding a sensitivity rate of 100% (95% CI, 54%-100%). The PVS referred 45 additional children (15%) who had normal ophthalmic findings, yielding a specificity rate of 85% (95% CI, 80%-89%). The median acquisition time for the PVS was 28 seconds.

Conclusions: The PVS detected amblyopia with high sensitivity in a nonenriched pediatric population. The device would allow children with amblyopia and/or strabismus to be referred to an eye care specialist as early as 2 years old. Given its short acquisition time, the PVS can be implemented in a pediatric clinic with minimal impact on workflow.