Cell Phone Application for Vision Assessment

Current recommendations suggest that children begin visual acuity screening as early as possible with most children capable at 3 years old though some may not be able to cooperate until 4 years of age. While visual acuity screening is standard in schools and pediatric clinics, the specificity of the exams has been questioned. A number of community screening exams rely on outdated and flawed methods that may not accurately access the vision of all children. Because many children who fail these vision screenings are referred to ophthalmology clinics without a true visual acuity deficit, a more accurate but accessible, cost effective, and feasible vision screening exam is necessary. One solution is a smart phone application designed to assess visual acuity, called Peek Acuity. The application is available for android operating system and can be downloaded as a free beta from the Google Play Store. A short tutorial walks users through the application. The application displays a single letter "E" in 4 positions, 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees (rolling "E") that does not require English comprehension. Patients are instructed to point in the direction of the arms of the "E." The examiner records the responses by swiping the screen in the direction the patient points. The application uses responses to calculate visual acuity and typical exams can be completed within 2 minutes.

In one study, Peek Acuity visual assessments have been shown to be comparable to that determined by the ophthalmology clinic in patients aged 55 years and older. This study also found that the Peek Acuity is efficient, with an average exam time of 77 seconds compared to 82 seconds using the standard Snellen eye chart.

Inclusion criteria

• Capable and willing to provide consent
• 3 to less than 18 years of age

Exclusion criteria

• Unable or unwilling to give consent
• Over 18 years of age
• Less than 3 years of age