Original Article October 14, 2026 October 14, 2026

Ophthalmologic screening kit in Primary Care as a tool for preventing childhood blindness and visual impairment

DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20260095

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To develop and describe the Ophthalmic Screening Kit (KOT) to be used by general practitioners in primary health care (PHC), aimed at screening children aged 0-10 years and preventing amblyopia.

Methods:

Methodological study conducted in four phases: (1) integrative literature review; (2) planning using a SWOT matrix; (3) construction of KOT components; and (4) refinement through assessment of functionality, content validity, applicability, and limitations.

Results:

The KOT comprises a guidance manual for general practitioners (age-specific examination, red flags, and referral criteria); an Ocular Health Record booklet for documentation and family co-participation; and a basic instrument set (direct ophthalmoscope, standardized visual-acuity charts matched to cognitive level, occluder, penlight, measuring tape, and adhesive tape). The materials organize PHC screening workflows, standardize procedures, and enable longitudinal recording.

Conclusion:

The KOT provides a standardized protocol for pediatric vision screening in PHC, with the potential to anticipate diagnosis, improve referral quality, and prevent avoidable visual impairment. The next steps are field validation studies and cost-effectiveness analyses.