Detection of Childhood Visual Impairment in At‐Risk Groups

Children with intellectual disabilities have an increased risk of visual impairment, caused by both ocular and cerebral abnormalities, but this risk has not been quantified. The same applies to preterm children and children with cerebral palsy with a normal intelligence. Many cases probably go unidentified, because participation of these children in preschool vision screening programs is not guaranteed, or because no screening program is available. Although there may be a case for specific screening, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting such a claim. A “safety net” construction for vision screening is proposed by a Dutch expert working party, based on scientific information and joint professional expertise, to improve identification of both ocular and cerebral visual impairment in at‐risk groups. Costs and gains of the model should be scientifically evaluated in a test region.