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NEI Statement

Vision Screening in Adults

National Eye Institute
National Institutes of Health

Vision screening programs can be useful in identifying individuals who need appropriate follow-up by an eye care professional for diagnosis and management of their eye problems. They can also provide an important opportunity to educate the public about eye health.

The simplest and most practical screening program should include measurement of visual acuity in each eye separately. People who are found to have visual acuity of 20/40 (6/12) or less, using their present corrective lenses, if any, should be referred to an eye care professional for further evaluation. Also, people with seemingly normal vision should also be referred to an eye care professional, if they fit into any of the following categories:

• People with diabetes who have not had an eye examination through dilated pupils in the past year;
• Blacks over age 40 who have not had an eye examination through dilated pupils in the past two years;
• Anyone over age 60 who has not had an eye examination through dilated pupils in the past two years.

One-on-one health education can increase the value of vision screenings. Staff should provide verbal and written information about eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts to screening participants. Staff should make appropriate referrals and stress the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

May 1998