Accuracy of visual acuity testing in New Zealand primary health care
Nishanthan Ramachandran, Gordon Sanderson, Tui H Bevin, Giles Wynn-Williams
Visual acuity measurement is a general screening tool used by doctors and allied health professionals, with obvious medico-legal implication. We compared visual acuity scores of 15 to 26 eyes at 17 visual acuity testing centres, located in 9 general practices and Emergency Department of Dunedin Hospital in Dunedin, New Zealand, with their scores obtained in the Eye Department of Dunedin Hospital. We measured variables of testing centres, such as lighting and distance. There were inconsistencies in visual acuity measurements, which may be partly explained by the overall poor compliance with lighting and distance standards by primary health care providers. These factors are potentially easily modifiable and their change should lead to improvements in visual acuity testing and potentially more appropriate referrals to optometrists and ophthalmologists.
