If preschool vision screening fails, what is the recommended next step?

• A. Discontinue care
• B. Refer for comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation
• C. Repeat the same screening test
• D. No further action needed

Answer: (B)

When a preschool vision screen doesn’t pass, the next step is to refer the child for a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation. A screening test is only a quick check to flag potential problems; it cannot diagnose or quantify the issue. A comprehensive exam by a pediatric ophthalmologist or pediatric optometrist will assess visual acuity in both eyes, check refractive error, evaluate eye alignment and motility, and examine the health of the eye itself. This full evaluation confirms what’s causing the screening failure and guides appropriate treatment, such as glasses, patching, or other interventions. Repeating the same screen, discontinuing care, or taking no further action wouldn’t reliably address possible conditions like amblyopia, which benefit most from early detection and treatment.