The Feasibility of Introducing a Visual Screening Test for Children During Vaccination Campaigns

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Abstract
A visual screening test for children was prepared for the use of paramedics during vaccination campaigns. This test was used in a vaccination campaign in Taquaritinga, São Paulo, Brazil. The campaign was carried out by two paramedics trained by ophthalmologists. The first 130 children vaccinated whose families showed interest in participating in the visual screening program were chosen. The program consisted of demographic information and eight questions, a visual screening test for children >4 years, and an external eye examination. After studying the data collected, the paramedic decided if the child needed a more thorough ophthalmologic examination. Of the 4505 children vaccinated, 130 children participated in the screening test. One (76.9%) hundred of the 130 children were reexamined by ophthalmologists. Of these, 38 (29.2%) were initially considered to have visual disorders. Ophthalmologic disorders were confirmed in 22 (57.9%) children; of these, 3 were already under ophthalmologic care. The paramedics correctly screened a total of 77 (77%) children. Visual screening during vaccination campaigns is simple and rapid, and provides the opportunity to identify children with visual disorders during the critical stage of visual development without the need of ophthalmologists.