Vision Screening and Vision Loss–Related Conditions Among American Indian or Alaska Native Children

What are the annual rates of vision screening at well-child care (WCC) visits and the prevalence of 9 vision loss–related conditions among American Indian or Alaska Native children aged 3 to 17 years?In this cross-sectional study of 209 775 children in a large US health system, the overall annual vision screening rate at WCC visits was 88.7%. Screening rates did not differ significantly between children who identified as American Indian or Alaska Native and those who did not identify as American Indian or Alaska Native; however, American Indian or Alaska Native children had a higher prevalence of 4 vision loss–related conditions: amblyopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia.This study found that American Indian or Alaska Native children experienced a higher burden of vision loss–related conditions despite comparable annual vision screening at WCC visits, highlighting the importance of early detection, follow-up care, and targeted interventions to support children at higher risk of vision loss–related conditions.

Corresponding Author: Laurel E. Cederberg, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, HealthPartners, 2500 Como Ave, St Paul, MN 55108 (laurel.cederberghp@gmail.com).

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