A summary of public health service funded school-entry vision screening protocols and paediatric eye care services in Ireland and Northern Ireland
| Age | Ireland | Northern Ireland (UK) |
| School entry 4–5 years | Monocular vision assessment at 5 years (Snellen 3M chart or logMAR crowded 3M chart) is conducted by the school nurse. Pass: Vision of 0.2logMAR in both eyes. Fail: Vision worse than 0.2logMAR in one or both eyes or failure to complete the test. Failed vision screening referred to hospital-based ophthalmology/community ophthalmology for follow-up. Children remain in this system for review until discharged at age 12–16 years.20 Once an eye examination is carried out in a hospital or community health clinic, children under the age of 12 years can apply for a voucher which will cover the cost of basic frames and lenses. Eye patches for occlusion therapy are not provided free of charge; this cost is covered by the parents. | Monocular vision assessment at 4–5 years (logMAR crowded 3M chart) is conducted by the school nurse. Pass: Vision of 0.2logMAR in both eyes. Fail: Vision worse than 0.2logMAR in one or both eyes or failure to complete the test. Failed vision screening referred to hospital eye service (orthoptist, optometrist, ophthalmology) for follow-up. The recommended maximum treatment duration (treatment pathway) for refractive amblyopia is 38 weeks and for strabismic amblyopia 78 weeks; with children discharged to the care of their community optometrist once treatment is complete.19 All children are entitled to a voucher which covers the price basic spectacles and lenses. The cost of eye patches for amblyopia treatment is covered by the National Health Service. |
| Post-school entry | If concerned, contact the general practitioner or public health nurse for a referral to a local ophthalmology department. | Attend high street optometrist (free of charge for all children under 16 years and under 19 years if still in education) and referred onto tertiary care with ophthalmology if indicated. |