The blinq vision screener has good sensitivity for detecting microstrabismus

It is important to identify amblyopia at a young age, when there are still ample opportunities for treatment. The new blinq pediatric vision screener is designed to detect microstrabismus, thereby increasing screening sensitivity for amblyopia.

Study design

In this prospective study, 267 children aged 1–12 years were screened with the blinq, followed by a complete eye examination, to determine the efficacy of the device as measured by sensitivity and specificity.

Outcomes

Overall, the blinq vision screener showed high sensitivity (87.5%) and moderate specificity (51.3%) for detecting strabismus or microstrabismus. Some patients timed out of the session or had an inconclusive reading from the blinq vision screener; in those patients who did not time out or have an inconclusive reading, sensitivity was 93.9% and specificity was 91.7%.

Limitations

For 16% of patients, results could not be obtained from the screening device due to the machine timing out.

Clinical significance

Automated vision screening in young children is an important tool for detecting common childhood ophthalmic conditions, including strabismus and amblyopia. Due to its high screening sensitivity, the blinq vision screener is an effective, easy-to-use tool for use in pediatricians’ offices and schools.

Financial Disclosures: Dr. Brenda Bohnsack discloses no financial relationships.