ArticleJMIR formative research2024
Using Smartphones to Enhance Vision Screening in Rural Areas: Pilot Study.
Article in JMIR formative research, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 8 citations in OpenAlex.
- Deep learning-empowered low-cost portable automated refraction system: A solution to the inadequate effective correction rate of refractive errors in resource-limited areas.Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists) · 2025Trial
- Myopia Prescription Based on Smartphone App: A Feasibility Study in Africa.Translational vision science & technology · 2026Article
- Subjective Refraction Test Using a Smartphone for Vision Screening.Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors at 2 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundWhile it is treatable, uncorrected refractive error is the number one cause of visual impairment worldwide. This eye condition alone, or together with ocular misalignment, can also cause amblyopia, which is also treatable if detected early but still occurs in about 4% of the population. Mass vision screening is the first and most critical step to address these issues, but due to limited resources, vision screening in many rural areas remains a major challenge.
objectiveWe aimed to pilot-test the feasibility of using smartphone apps to enhance vision screening in areas where access to eye care is limited.
methodsA vision screening program was piggybacked on a charity summer camp program in a rural county in Sichuan, China. A total of 73 fourth and fifth graders were tested for visual acuity using a standard eye chart and were then tested for refractive error and heterophoria using 2 smartphone apps (a refraction app and a strabismus app, respectively) by nonprofessional personnel.
resultsA total of 5 of 73 (6.8%, 95% CI 2.3%-15.3%) students were found to have visual acuity worse than 20/20 (logarithm of minimal angle of resolution [logMAR] 0) in at least one eye. Among the 5 students, 3 primarily had refractive error according to the refraction app. The other 2 students had manifest strabismus (one with 72-prism diopter [PD] esotropia and one with 33-PD exotropia) according to the strabismus app. Students without manifest strabismus were also measured for phoria using the strabismus app in cover/uncover mode. The median phoria was 0.0-PD (IQR 2.9-PD esophoria to 2.2-PD exophoria).
conclusionsThe results from this vision screening study are consistent with findings from other population-based vision screening studies in which conventional tools were used by ophthalmic professionals. The smartphone apps are promising and have the potential to be used in mass vision screenings for identifying risk factors for amblyopia and for myopia control. The smartphone apps may have significant implications for the future of low-cost vision care, particularly in resource-constrained and geographically remote areas.
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