Introduction to the TAP vision screen

Before providing a person with vision AP you need to be sure that:

• They do not have a vision problem that could be improved or corrected through prescription glasses or surgery.
• They do not have a health problem that needs treatment by a doctor.

The TAP vision screen

A vision screen is a short assessment to help find out if a person has an eye or vision problem and if so, what could be done to assist.

There are different methods and tests used for vision screening.

The TAP vision screen is designed for community level personnel to explore whether a child or adult with vision problems:

• Needs a referral for an eye exam by a qualified eye health professional or medical doctor
• May benefit from prescription glasses (not covered in TAP)
• May benefit from vision AP that can be provided at community level (and are covered in TAP)

The TAP vision screen includes:

• Eye health check
• Simple distance and simple near vision tests
• Simple field of vision test

A vision screen is not enough to diagnose exactly what is wrong with a person’s eyes. Always refer to an eye health professional or doctor if this is indicated by the vision screen results, or if you have any concerns at all.

TAP vision screen form

The vision screen form used in this module is a simple tool that can be use during a vision screen, and to record results.

The form provides a guide to help decide what action to take depending on the results of the eye health check and vision tests.

What do you need to do a vision screen?

You will need a suitable space to carry out a vision tests. Ideally this should be:

• Well-lit with no direct sunlight or glare
• Equipped with a chair for the person and a chair for you
• Somewhere to wash your hands before and after you screen each person

You will need the following equipment:

• E Chart for near and distance vision
• Pinhole mask
• The vision screen form (one for each person you will screen) and a pen

Before you do a vision screen

Explain to the person that you would like to ask some questions, look at their eye, and carry out some simple vision tests.

Explain that this is not the same as a full eye exam, however will help to identify if they need to see a doctor, eye health professional, or if you can assist them with some basic vision AP.