Why does a nationwide vision screening program currently not exist? Simply put, none of the existing vision screening methods adequately address all 8 steps necessary to establish such a program.

Manual screening is limited by the enormous number of trained volunteers needed. Subjective interpretation of each child’s performance compromises accuracy and reliability. Manual record keeping makes data storage and epidemiological analysis logistically impractical for any large scale screening program.

Photoscreening equipment and on-going costs are prohibitively expensive for deployment on a nationwide scale. Ten of thousands of photoscreening devices and even more trained volunteers would be required to administer testing, interpret results, and coordinate a recall system to notify families of results at a later date.

Full-eye examinations are not performed at the schools, creating a logistical barrier to mass vision screenings. Despite exorbitant costs, this method offers no standardization and lacks infrastructure for collecting and analyzing data. Some question if there are even enough doctors trained in children’s eye care to perform millions of vision screenings annually.

Existing vision screening methods (manual screening, photoscreening, and full eye examinations) all have serious limitations for use in a nationwide vision screening program. The Amblyopia Foundation of America intends to research new technology specifically designed to implement a nationwide vision screening program.

The Amblyopia Foundation of America believes automated testing is critical to successfully implement the 8 steps necessary for a nationwide vision screening program. Automated testing ensures consistent and standardized test administration, eliminates the need for large networks of volunteers, minimizes costs, and facilitates data collection necessary for reporting test results and epidemiological analysis. How do we design an automated vision screening system for children? Children love games. Why not use a child’s natural desire to play games in order to check their vision in an automated way? By integrating recent advances in computer, internet, and videogame technology, it is possible to solve our nation’s vision screening dilemma.

Through committed efforts of volunteers and generous donations, The Amblyopia Foundation of America is currently testing and refining innovative software which will allow all of our nation’s schoolchildren to have their vision checked. Let’s look at how the convergence of computer, internet, and videogame technology addresses each of the 8 steps of the ideal vision screening program.

A	Computer Software - Software is currently in widespread use to successfully check vision.
B	Testing Protocol - The Amblyopia Treatment Study Protocol provides a scientifically validated test.
C	Standardized Testing - Computer software logic facilitates standardized test administration.
D	Automated - Automated vision screening is possible by capitalizing on children’s widespread familiarity of computers and video games. Automation allows for testing to be performed by personnel already in the schools thus eliminating the need to train huge networks of volunteers to administer testing, collect and analyze data, and report results.
E	Standardized Results - Result interpretation is standardized when performed with software.
F	Ease of Distribution - Software can be easily disseminated via CD or upgraded via the Internet.
G	Existing Hardware - Schools already have computer hardware necessary for testing.
H	Data Storage - The computer can easily store and print results for immediate or future use. Additionally, computerized data storage with confidentiality safeguards allows compliance with medical privacy standards.
I	Data Transport - The Internet facilitates data communication between computers.
J	Internet Availability - The Internet is available in virtually all schools.
K	Data Analysis - Epidemiological analysis of a nationwide screening program is only possible with computers.
L	Inexpensive - Automated, computerized vision screenings minimize costs by using personnel, computers, and internet infrastructure already present in schools.