Preschool vision screening in pediatric practices.

A national sample of pediatricians was surveyed to evaluate preschool vision screening practices (response rate 55%, 377 of 690 eligible respondents). The rate of acuity screening for 3-year-old children was low (35%), but increased for 4- (73%) and 5-year-old children (66%). Few used photoscreening or autorefraction (8%). Common barriers were that screening is too time-consuming and children are uncooperative. Half reported that there should be separate reimbursement for vision screening. Financial incentives may be important for ensuring the delivery of preschool vision screening, as well as adoption of emerging screening technologies if such devices are shown to be effective.