| Abstract: | The lack of standardised visual acuity charts with established norms for preschool children has resulted in a diverse variety of visual acuity tests in use for the paediatric patient. All available tests appear to have some limitations, including inadequate norms, long test times, poor reliability, and frequently use test parameters and stimuli which are different from those used with adults. This study compares results for four visual acuity test charts. A Bailey-Lovie Illiterate E chart and an abbreviated Sheridan-Gardiner test were compared with two prototype acuity charts; a modified Bailey-Lovie letter chart and an Arrow chart. A novel symbol such as an arrow constructed as a Snellen optotype incorporated into a chart on the Bailey-Lovie principle, was the test of choice. This test was interesting to preschool children and results showed significant correlation with those obtained using charts based on adult standards. |
