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Early Screening for Childhood Eye Disease: What, Why, Who, and When

Available from: 11/12/2025 (AEDT)

Where to publish: www.mieducation.com

Provider: Mivision

Contact: Nikki Byrne, [E] nikki@mivision.com.au, [P] 02 8336 8616

Activity Outline

The aim of any screening program is to identify or diagnose pre-symptomatic disease that can be readily treated. The screening tests need to be rapid, with a high sensitivity and specificity to detect the desired condition(s). Additionally, if one is to screen for a condition, there must be accessible evidence-based treatment to justify screening in the first instance.
Given the child’s visual system continues to develop after birth, and they are unlikely to complain of any visual disturbance, particularly in the case of unilateral vision loss, screening for eye disease meets these criteria and globally, is commonplace.
Dr Sandra Staffieri AO explains why widespread screening for common or readily treatable vision or ocular abnormalities should occur at various stages during childhood, whereas targeted screening should be reserved for children who are genetically at risk of developing a disease.

Learning Objectives

  • Realise the importance of early ocular screening programs
  • Be aware of the most common sight-threatening eye diseases that can be present at birth or occur in childhood
  • Understand the importance of screening
  • Realise the role of genetic testing in screening for heritable disease

Max CPD hours awarded: 1.25

Session Information

Name
Early Screening for Childhood Eye Disease: What, Why, Who, and When
Clinical?
Yes
Interactive?
No
Therapeutic?
No
Duration of CPD Session/Module
0.75
Duration of CPD Session/Module inclusive of Assessment Component
1.25

Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation Optometry Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.