Comparison of four methods of assessing visual acuity in young children.

The purpose of this study was to determine which of four tests, the Acuity Cards, the Dot Visual Acuity test, the Broken Wheel test, or the American Optical (AO) pictures, might be most useful for clinical assessment of visual acuity in 2- and 3-year-olds. Data related to clinical utility including success rates, required test times, reliability, and acuity norms were collected. High success rates and short test times support use of the Acuity Cards for 2-year-olds. For testing 3-year-olds a measure of recognition acuity, the Broken Wheel test, may be most useful.