The Use of COVD-QOL Questionnaire in School Vision Screening

PURPOSE: To evaluate the application of College of Optometrist in Vision Development (COVD) Quality of Life (QOL) questionnaire in vision screening for normal school children and children with learning disabilities (LD) and to determine appropriate referral-score for different target population. METHODS: A total of 90 children (Normal: 45, LD: 45) who attended government primary schools aged between 6 to 12 years old were recruited. An interview session with normal children and parents or teachers in children with LD was made to determine visual symptoms using shorter version of COVD-QOL questionnaire. A comprehensive eye examination was performed after completion of the questionnaire. The evaluation was made base on the sensitivity and specificity for detection of refractive error, amblyopia, strabismus, vergence and accommodative disorders. RESULTS: The mean score for normal children and children with LD were 22.47±10.75 and 12.24±8.72 respectively. Rapidity of the test in normal children and children with LD were 177.27±9.52 seconds and 162.16±16.58 seconds respectively. In normal children referral score of =20 showed highest sensitivity (66.7%) and specificity (95.8%) for detection of amblyopia. Sensitivity and specificity for referral-score of =20, =10 and =4 for detection of overall vision problems in children with LD were (20.4%, 100.0%), (54.5%, 100.0%) and (81.8%, 100.0%) respectively. CONCLUSION: COVD-QOL questionnaire was recommended as an easy, rapid and cost-effective tool for school vision screening. Different referral-score was suggested for different target population.