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. 2023 Apr;39(2):156-161.
doi: 10.1177/10598405221117511. Epub 2022 Aug 2.

Missed Vision Screenings for School-Age Children During The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Based Study of NASN Representatives

Bani Antonio-Aguirre  1 , Gina Emge  2 , Megan Collins  1   3
Affiliations

Missed Vision Screenings for School-Age Children During The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Based Study of NASN Representatives

Bani Antonio-Aguirre et al. J Sch Nurs. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

During the 2020-21 academic year, COVID-19-related educational disruptions impacted school-based vision screenings. However, limited information regarding changes in vision screening and the number of students impacted has been reported. Delayed screenings can negatively impact students' referral to eye care providers, which may affect a child's ability to see clearly and academic success. This study aims to describe changes in school-based vision screening practices through a survey of National Association of School Nurses state representatives (n = 49). Among states with vision screenings mandates, participants reported that 23.7% (9/38) states waived screenings, 31.6% (12/38) continued screenings, and 36.8% (14/38) modified requirements, such as grades screened or assessments included (e.g., color vision and stereoacuity screenings). These results suggest that millions of students across the United States missed vision screenings during the 2020-21 academic year. Efforts by education and school health stakeholders should be directed towards addressing the pandemic-related disruption in vision screening.

Keywords: COVID-19; health disparities; pediatric eye care; public health; school nursing; screening/risk identification; vision screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Reported modifications in state vision requirements 2020–21 academic year. Abbreviations: VS, vision screening. Others: include non-responders and states without a NASN representative.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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