Simple near vision test
The near vision E chart
Activity
Identify the near vision side
Note that there are 2 rows:
- 5 large Es (4.0M)
- 5 small Es (1.0M)
The numbers (4.0M) and (1.0M) describe the size of the Es.
Note that the testing distance is marked at 40cm.
Prepare the person
Explain to the person that this test is to see how well they can see things that are close to them.
Check if the person has glasses that were prescribed to help them see close, or reading glasses. If so, they can wear them during the test. If they have glasses but are not sure what they are for, or if they were not prescribed for them, they should not wear them during the test.
Test method
Test both eyes at the same time (both eyes open).
With the person sitting down, ask them to hold the near vision E-Chart in front of them. If they cannot hold it easily, you can hold it for them.
The distance between the E-chart and the person’s eyes should be as close as practical to 40cm.
Test the large Es
- Point to the row of large Es. Ask the person the direction of the legs for each E in the row.
If the person correctly indicates the direction of the legs at least 4 times, test the small Es.
If the person cannot clearly see the large Es, that is the end of the simple near vision test for them.
Test the small Es (for people who can clearly see the large Es):
- Point to the row of small Es. Ask the person the direction of the legs for each E in the row.
If the person correctly indicates the direction of the legs at least 4 times, their near vision is likely to be normal.
Click on the video to see how to perform the simple near vision test
Record results
Record the results of the simple near vision test on the vision screen form. You need only check the box that indicates the smallest Es that the person could see.
Activity
Read the examples of a simple near vision text. Look at the vision screen form – simple near vision test section. Which box would you tick on the vision screen form for the following people?
Nina did not wear glasses during the test. She correctly indicated the direction of the legs for each of the large and small Es.
Only the Small Es row is checked
Firoz wore his reading glasses during the test. He correctly indicated the direction of the legs for each of the large Es. When tested on the small Es he correctly indicated the direction of the legs only twice.
Only the Large Es row is checked