Resident Nemours Children's Hospital Wilmington, Delaware, United States
Background: Numerous healthcare disparities exist for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prior research at our center demonstrates that children with ASD have lower rates of vision screening compared to peers without ASD. Furthermore, young Black children with ASD were least likely to receive vision screening at primary care well visits. Early screening and appropriate referral to eye care specialists are vital. Objective: Analyze national trends in vision screening by comparing (1) rate of vision screening among children with and without ASD, (2) rate of photo-screening compared to visual acuity screening, (3) effect of race and ethnicity on vision screening for children with ASD. Design/Methods: Using a national sample from PEDSnet, data from well visits for 3- to 5-year-olds between January 2016 and September 2022 were collected. Visits were classified based on patient diagnosis: (1) ASD with developmental delay, (2) ASD without developmental delay, and (3) no ASD. Billing codes for vision screening were markers of completion of vision screening. Plan to use chi square analysis to examine the (1) relationship of race and ethnicity to vision screening rate and (2) rate of photoscreening versus visual acuity screening. Plan to use multivariate logistic regression to assess factors that impact odds of vision screening.
