American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
View all recommendations from this societyReleased October 8, 2013; updated May 29, 2019
Annual comprehensive eye exams (exams done in an eye doctor’s office) are unnecessary for children who pass routine vision screening assessments.
Early childhood vision screening done as part of routine well-child care accurately identifies most children with significant eye problems who are otherwise asymptomatic. Annual comprehensive eye examinations increase financial costs, a child’s absence from school and parental time away from work, with no evidence that the comprehensive eye exams detect asymptomatic vision problems better than timely, methodical and recurrent screening efforts. Comprehensive eye exams are appropriate for children who do not pass a vision screening.
These items are provided solely for informational purposes and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their physician.
How The List Was Created
The President and the Executive Vice President of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus met with its Board of Directors. These 10 pediatric ophthalmologists leading the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus then generated a list of 10 potential topics. Each individual ranked the topics and the top five recommendations were chosen. Each recommendation was sent to a recognized expert in that specific area or to a committee of experts to complete the template. The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus disclosure and conflict of interest policies can be found at www.aapos.org.
Sources
Donahue SP, Nixon CN; Section on Ophthalmology, American Academy of Pediatrics; Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics; American Academy of Ophthalmology; American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus; American Association of Certified Orthoptists. Visual System Assessment in Infants, Children, and Young Adults by Pediatricians. Pediatrics. 2016 Jan;137(1):28-30. Epub 2015 Dec 7.
Donahue SP, Baker CN; Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics; Section on Ophthalmology, American Academy of Pediatrics; American Association of Certified Orthoptists; American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus; American Academy of Ophthalmology. Procedures for the Evaluation of the Visual System by Pediatricians. Pediatrics. 2016 Jan;137(1). doi: 10.1542/peds.2015-3597. Epub 2015 Dec 7.
