“Dynamic” Optometric Evaluation in Special Education Children and Materials for their Clinical Assessment

Abstract

<em><strong>Objective:</strong></em> To carry out a “dynamic” optometric assessment of special education children. A dynamic assessment is the one that requires the optometrist to adapt the tests to suit the child instead of the child adapting to the tests. Materials and <em><strong>Methods:</strong></em> A non-standardized interview was conducted, similar to the medical records, which recommends the tests for assessing a special education patient, including cranial nerves. Dynamic visual acuity and colorimetry (color vision test) tests were developed and four male patients from 1.9 to seven years old of age were assessed, who attend psychological counseling at the Clínica Universitaria de Salud Integral from the Iztacala School of Higher Education, UNAM (these patients had never been subjected to an optometric assessment before). <em><strong>Results:</strong></em> There was more cooperation from the children (patients with language issues, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and Down syndrome) and a comprehensive optometric diagnosis as a result of the optometrist’s dynamic implementation of the tests. Conclusions: Dynamic optometric evaluation affects the cooperation of special education patients in a positive way, combined with a good refractive, pathological and neurological diagnosis. The need to raise awareness in the optometrist that all patients are different and, therefore, that attention will also vary depending on the patient, is emphasized. These professionals must have the proper clinical and methodological skills required to provide a good service.