Second edition of AOA’s Comprehensive Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination guideline available for review

The second edition of the AOA’s evidence-based clinical practice guideline, Comprehensive Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination, will be available for a 30-day peer and public review period beginning July 6. Originally published in 2017, the second edition of the guideline provides new and updated clinical and research information on examination and diagnosis of pediatric eye and vision problems and patient counseling and education. 

Developed by the AOA Evidence-based Optometry Guideline Development Group in accordance with standards outlined by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), this guideline requires external review from stakeholders, such as doctors, agencies, industry and the public. 

“The AOA’s pediatric care guidance must be grounded in a rigorous, standardized review of the best available scientific evidence so that healthcare providers, families, educators and the public can have confidence in the recommendations that support children’s eye health and vision care,” says Michelle Welch, O.D., AOA Evidence-Based Optometry Committee member and pediatric guideline project lead. 

“Participation in the 30-day peer and public review period is an important opportunity for doctors of optometry and others to share their expertise, strengthen the guideline and help ensure it reflects the full range of perspectives across pediatric eye care,” Dr. Welch says. 

To participate: 

• Open the guideline draft for review. 
• Open the AOA’s peer and public review form to log feedback. 
• Submit the online form; you will receive email confirmation. 

Expansions and additions on patient history, myopia and more 

The decade since the guideline’s original publication has seen a considerable uptick in information and research on pediatric eye and vision care, says Glen Steele, O.D., a consultant to the AOA Evidence-Based Optometry Committee. In developing the second edition, he says, the committee reviewed the previous document and made several expansions and additions. 

Expanded areas: 

• Patient history now includes congenital and developmental influences affecting eye health and vision. 
• Procedures for low-risk newborn assessment, evaluation of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, patients who have experienced concussion, and abusive head trauma.
  

New additions: 

• A section on myopia development and progression. 
• New information on the impact of digital devices on eye strain, eye development, and overall development. 

“This [guideline] will provide the practicing optometrist with updated information and raise the comfort level of providing examination and management for children birth to 18 years,” Dr. Steele says. “When we know more about the patient and have resources for linking observations, findings, and symptoms, we should feel more comfortable working with infants and young children. It is a great resource for the latest available research regarding such care.” 

Adds Dr. Steele: “Building on the original edition published in 2017, key updates include expanded guidance on patient history, including congenital and developmental factors that may affect a child’s eye health and vision, as well as revised recommendations for evaluating low-risk newborns, children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, patients who have experienced concussion, and suspected cases of abusive head trauma. The guideline also adds new sections on myopia development and progression and reviews emerging evidence on digital device use, including its potential effects on eye strain, visual development and overall child development."

The peer and public review period ends on August 5. The finished guidelines will be available later in 2026.