Standardization of HOTV, Snellen and ETDRS tests in children 5-15 years of age within the REISVO protocol: A pilot test

Abstract

<em><strong>Objective</strong><em> To assess the degree of standardization of HOTV, Snellen and ETDRS tests for distant vision, through pilot testing in children 5-15 years of age, examined in the Optometry Clinic at the Universidad de La Salle. <em><strong>Methodology</strong><em> Sample of 19 children from the Amar Center with visual acuity better than 20/400. Tests were chosen and the level of standardization for each of them was established with protocols proposed by optometrists participating in the investigation and outside of it. In the pilot study, visual acuity was measured by two examiners on three different days. HOTV test was applied in ages between 5 and 8 years Snellen and ETDRS tests were used between 5 and 15 years, for right and left eye. <em><strong>Results</strong><em> A high intra- and inter-examiner correlation was found for Snellen, HOTV and ETDRS tests. HOTV and ETDRS tests showed better performance in the pilot test for accuracy and validity. Good correlation was shown between Snellen and ETDRS test results. <em><strong>Conclusions</strong><em> The high intra- and inter-examiner correlation and good intermediate precision of HOTV, Snellen and ETDRS tests can demonstrate an appropriate level of standardization according to proposed protocols for children 5-15 years of age. Although accurate, visual acuity tests are susceptible to changes that affect their exactitude.