Key information to gather and tests to carry out
A230
You should:
- find out and record the specific history of conditions which might predispose the child to visual problems, such as family history of refractive error, amblyopia or squint; a difficult birth; abnormal or delayed development
- have a range of tests to assess the child’s monocular vision and visual acuity, based on the age and ability of the child
- assess ocular muscle balance, using objective and, when feasible, subjective methods
- assess stereopsis. Having good stereopsis may indicate the child does not have significant anisometropia, amblyopia or squint
- assess near vision
- assess refractive error. This is often only possible by objective means in young children. Where necessary use cycloplegic drops to obtain an accurate result
- assess accommodation. This is often only possible by objective means in young children
- assess the health of their eyes. It may be difficult to obtain a good view of the fundus in young children, but you should attempt to determine normal ocular development. At the very least, you should obtain a clear view of the ocular media, disc and macula
- screen colour vision where relevant
- if you are not confident in your results, or the examination was problematic, arrange to see the child again after a short interval or consult a colleague with more experience.