15-Line Distance Chart
(10 feet, 3 meters)
When examining/screening older children and adults the foldable chart (#271100) is kept hanging on the wall. Also the tranclusent charts (#270200, #271200 and #271300) can be used like the foldable charts without lightbox. When folded, this test becomes a black background for tests like the Panel 16 colour vision test or the LEA Rectangles.
During assessment of vision of visually impaired individuals this chart can be used at shorter distances, even as a near vision test. Testing uses the same principles as testing at near distances.
Distance vision test #271100 is foldable.
First test binocularly. Ask what is the first number on each line in descending order when testing binocularly.
(Pointing is no more allowed because it may improve the visual acuity http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2003/WHO_PBL_03.91.pdf.) Make sure that the covering card is not too close to the line to be read and does not create a shadow.
Move down until the child/person hesitates or misidentifies a number.
Move back up one line and ask the person to identify all numbers on that line. If this is successful move down and ask the person to read the line where the error was made.
Visual acuity is recorded as the last line on which at least 3 out of 5 numbers were identified correctly. If only 2 numbers were correctly recognized, the value is that of the previous line +2, ie, if the person read 2 correct on the 20/25 (6/8, 0.8) line, visual acuity is 20/30 (+2) (6/9 (+2), 0.63 (+2).
In the rare cases where the child/person can read all optotypes correctly on the 2.0 (20/10, 6/3) row and none on the 2.5 (20/8.0, 6/2.4) line, the test can be moved to a slightly shorter distance to record the threshold level. At a distance of 2.76 m the visual acuity value of the 2.5 line is 2.3 (20/8.7, 6/2.6).
After binocular testing test each eye separately.
If a chart is used at a distance other than the usual 3 or 4 meters (10 or 13 feet), measure and record the viewing distance and the symbol size (the M value) or the visual acuity value printed at the threshold line.
To determine the visual acuity use one of the following formulas:
M-unit, metric unit is the distance in meters at which the reference optotype C is seen at a visual angle of 5'.
[ Instructions I Paediatric Vision Tests I Vision Tests ]
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