Kids with autism not only have a higher risk for serious eye disorders, but they are less likely to receive vision screening.
The findings are from a study by Nemours Children’s Health.
Dr. Brittany Perry is the study’s senior author and Nemours pediatrician.
"36% of children with autism had vision screening compared to 59% of children without autism," said Perry.
Perry says the numbers are even worse for Black children who had a 27.6% screening rate.
"There were significant racial disparities within the percent of vision screening, and if you were a black child with autism you were significantly less likely to have received a vision screen compared to a white child with autism or a child who was identified as multiracial," said Perry.
Florida facilities had much higher rates of vision screenings at almost 46% compared to Delaware and Pennsylvania at 28%.
80% of Florida medical practices used the testing method of photoscreening which uses a specialized camera or video system to capture detailed images of the eyes which is helpful for children with autism.
Only 13% of medical facilities in Delaware and Pennsylvania use photoscreening.
Perry notes that early childhood is crucial for vision development, and long-term vision loss can be prevented by early detection and treatment of eye problems.
Perry says doctors and parents have to make sure young children with autism get more eye screenings.
"We need to be more aware of this healthcare disparity for young children with autism, and it can alert parents to be advocates and request that vision screening be done at the well-visit,” said Perry. “Or primary care providers making more referrals for eye exams in children who are unable to complete the screening."
The study examined children ages 3-to-5 from 2016 to 2019 in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
