MedFest Manual for Clinical Directors - Special Olympics

32
Vision
As shown in the equipment section, the Lea eye chart is the preferred vision chart for
MedFest vision screening. To ensure accurate testing, the chart should be hung on a
well-lit wall. Tape should be placed on the floor ten feet away from the wall in order to
mark where the athlete will stand during this test. The chart contains 4 shapes, a house,
an apple, a circle and a square. For verbal, non-hearing-impaired athletes, the volunteer
will first show them the four shapes and have them repeat back what the shapes are.
The athlete then covers one eye. Another volunteer can point to the 20/40 (or 10/20)
line. If the athlete can read the line with 100% accuracy, the volunteer should then ask
the athlete to read the next line down. Repeat this, as necessary, until either the athlete
has read the 20/20 line with 100% accuracy, or the athlete misidentifies a shape. If the
athlete misses one or more shapes, record their vision as the last line that was completely
read with 100% accuracy. Once one eye has been fully tested, cover the other eye and
test in the same fashion as before. If an athlete fails the 20/40 line, there is no need
for further testing, the athlete has failed his or her vision examination and will need to
be referred to the Opening Eyes program or to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for
further evaluation. Note that the vision test should be performed while the athlete is
wearing their glasses or contacts.
The Lea eye chart comes with cards that have the shapes on them. Non-verbal athletes
may point to the shapes they see instead of speaking the name of the objects.