Researchers compared visual acuity assessment with a novel smartphone app (Peek Acuity) and a standard method in 111 children (ages 3–17 years) who were referred to an ophthalmology clinic.
Children underwent monocular vision assessments with both methods, in random order. The app was used as follows: with the examiner holding the phone two metres away, the child indicated the direction of the arms of an “E” displayed on the screen, and the examiner swiped the screen in that direction. If the child couldn’t see the “E,” the app notified the examiner to move to 1 meter away and, if necessary, 30 cm. At the end of the test, the phone displayed visual acuity results. Standard vision assessment was conducted in an examination lane using a computer screen.