The human visual system is an important system to guide us through our everyday lives. Many tests and examinations are used in order to preserve our vision and ocular health. Vision testing begins from a young age where optometrists and ophthalmologists look for anatomical abnormalities and reflexive behaviours to light in newborn babies. As infants age, vision testing involves greater attention and participation from the individuals.

Preschool screening around ages 4–5 require active participation. Children must cooperate to test for visual acuity where tests involve interesting pictures and shapes to catch the interest of these children. But how reliable are these tests? Are these tests effective for children with ADHD? For children who are shy, impatient, or unwilling to participate? Refractive errors have a prevalence of 5–7% in preschool children. Can these test effectively detect visual defects if young children cannot maintain eye contact long enough?

It turns out that the answer is yes. But such methods take lots of training, time and patience from professionals AND patients. These concerns have motivated a few researchers at PediaVision to develop a new digital eye exam machine called Spot. It is a quick and easy and portable machine that accurately screens vision of individuals from 3 months of age to adulthood. These machines scan for several ophthalmological problems ranging from myopia to amblyopia(type of blindness in one eye). Images can be captured in a matter of seconds with great accuracy and ease.

Does this mean we no longer need doctors and optometrists in order to assess vision? Likely not. This kind of technology still require interpretation of test results that cannot be done without training. It just makes the process of examination faster and easier. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and pediatricians highly support the use of this device in their clinics. I’m sure they would not do so if it could impinge on their employment or if these innovations could be a part of a real life version of I, Robot.

Move over Snellen Chart, SPOT is in town!