Protocols and techniques in visual assessment of children with various disabilities

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the understanding of eyecare providers about the protocols and techniques for visual assessment of children with disabilities.and implementation of that knowledge in clinical practice.

METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out by 47 eyecare professionals working in different eyecare units from September to December 2021. The participants included both males and females which were working in different clinical setups. They were asked to fill a self-designed questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge about protocols and techniques for visual assessment of children with disability. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS vs. 25. Frequency and percentages were calculated by standard deviation. The p-value was calculated by Pearson Chi-square method.  Informed consent was taken from each participant.

RESULTS: Results were taken out from the self-designed questionnaire which showed that out of 47 participants, 33 were males and 14 were females, 32 were optometrists and 15 were ophthalmologists.p-value is insignificant (p≥0.05) which shows both optometrists and ophthalmologists had good perception and knowledge about standards or protocols of visual assessment and when it comes to techniques, they had used different charts, tools and methods during visual functions assessment in children with various disabilities.

CONCLUSION: Eyecare professionalshave fair knowledge about the protocols and techniques for assessment. Both optometrists and ophthalmologists follow the protocols of assessment and apply various techniques for visual function assessment in children with disabilities.

KEYWORDS: Visual functions, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field, color vision and glare sensitivity.