Vision Screening for Young Children

Children between the ages of 3 and 5 years should be seen at least once by an eye care professional to detect the presence of amblyopia or its risk factors, according to an updated statement issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).  The 2011 recommendation was made following an initiative undertaken by the USPSTF to update 2004 statement offering guidelines for vision screening in young children. 

The USPSTF reviewed multiple studies that evaluated the accuracy and outcomes of preschool vision screening tests.  They also assessed the effectiveness of early detection and treatment and the harm of screening treatment. 

The researchers found that vision screening tools used to assess preschool-age children accurately detected visual impairment, such as

• refractive errors
• strabismus
• amblyopia

The task force determined that early treatment for amblyopia in children 3 to 5 years of age, including the use of cycloplegic agents, patching and eyeglasses, leads to improved visual outcomes. 

The 2004 Guidelines also recommended vision screening for children between 3 and 5 years of age;  this review reconfirmed those recommendations based on updated evidence.  According to the statement, there is "adequate evidence that early treatment for amblyopia...for children 3 to 5 years of age leads to improved visual outcomes."