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When vision screening is conducted with the VS-V it is important
that an organized procedure be followed and standardized ques-
tions be used. Only in this way can consistent results be assured.
The sequence of the tests and the instructions given to the subject
can effect his/her performance.
The test questions within the Visionary Software and listed on the
following pages have been found to evoke quick responses from
the average test subject. However, as the individual examiner be-
comes experienced in administering the tests, (s)he may wish to
adapt the specific wording of each question to his or her own style.
Responses should be prompt. Allow five to ten seconds after the
target is presented and the question has been asked for the sub-
ject to respond. An obvious hesitation indicates an effort to guess.
Since there is no “penalty” for an “incorrect” answer, encourage the
subject to be as frank as possible in telling what (s)he sees.
Acknowledge each response, but be careful not to indicate ap-
proval or disapproval, praise or disappointment. Do not “lead” the
subject into giving any kind of response. Keep the amount of con-
versation to a minimum during testing to help preserve the objectiv-
ity of the tests and save examination time.
Recording the findings
Speed of recording will depend on the examiner’s familiarity with
the test targets and what type of recording is in use. The recording
form has been designed to show both expected and abnormal re-
sponses so scoring can be done by checking the appropriate
space. The software program allows recording with the click of a
mouse.
If undesirable visual characteristics are noted, responses are likely
to be slower than usual and the examiner should allow additional
time. Even in such cases, the complete screening examination
should take no more than three to five minutes.
Help the test subject do well
Visual skill ratings can be significantly altered by the attitude of the
examiner. It is the examiner’s purpose to evoke the best perform-
ance the subject can give.
In normal living people make the best possible use of their visual
skills and do not function under the handicap of their worst mo-
ments. Thus, if four balls are seen in the fusion tests rather than
the expected three, give the test subject an opportunity for the two
white balls to soon merge into one.
If a younger child is being tested, be sure (s)he can recognize and
identify the numerals from 1 through 9. Most of the screening tests
employ numerals as stimuli.
The information on whether the individual wears corrective lenses
is obtained at the time of testing. As mentioned, lenses should be
worn during the test as they are normally worn. If the lenses are
worn at all times, both near and far point tests are tested with the
prescription. If lenses are worn only for reading or distance vision,
they should be used only for the appropriate section of the test
series.
Medico-legal records
Many medico-legal records require distance acuity to be measured
without corrective lenses and without occluding the eye. If the VS-
V is used to provide such information, these special tests should
be conducted after the standard test sequence has been com-
pleted.
(This test is usually required only at distance but varying state
compensation laws may indicate that the same type of test should
be repeated at near point).
The testing procedure is the same except the right occluder button
is depressed during left eye testing and the left occluder button is
depressed during right eye testing. Be sure that corrective lenses
are removed.
Test Administration
Test subject's posture
Good body posture is important to good vision. Proper posture
maintained during testing is vital. An uncomfortable position will
cause strain and distract the test subject.
The subject's back and head should be erect and the shoulders
level. His/her forehead should rest comfortably against the instru-
ment's headrest. This position should be maintained throughout the
test period.
Adjustment of the height and angle of the VS-V is under direct con-
trol of the test subject. He/she may wish to grasp the side of the unit
with one or both hands with the elbows resting on the desk or
counter.
Do not allow the subject to pull back or away from the instrument
between individual tests. Caution him/her against tilting the head to
the side at anytime.
Corrective lenses
If the subject wears corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contact
lenses) the tests should be conducted with the lenses worn as
usual.
If lenses are worn only for reading or only for distance vision, they
should be removed when testing types of vision for which the lenses
were not prescribed.
Exercise caution when testing a person recently fitted with new
glasses. Many vision specialists do not fit a patient with full-
correction lenses, but rely on the patient to help him/herself as time
progresses. Therefore, poor scores on the screening tests shortly
after such a fitting may not be truly accurate. In that case, a retest
after two months is recommended .
