TY - JOUR
T1 - Missed Vision Screenings for School-Age Children During The COVID-19 Pandemic
T2 - A Survey Based Study of NASN Representatives
AU - Antonio-Aguirre, Bani
AU - Emge, Gina
AU - Collins, Megan
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2022.
PY - 2023/4
Y1 - 2023/4
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - COVID-19
KW - health disparities
KW - pediatric eye care
KW - public health
KW - school nursing
KW - screening/risk identification
KW - vision screening
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85135344085&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1177/10598405221117511
DO - 10.1177/10598405221117511
M3 - Article
C2 - 35915998
AN - SCOPUS:85135344085
SN - 1059-8405
VL - 39
SP - 156
EP - 161
JO - Journal of School Nursing
JF - Journal of School Nursing
IS - 2
ER -