Visual Acuity

Introduction

This guidance is for assessed Registered Nurses, Health Care Assistants and Ophthalmic Medical Photographers working in the ophthalmic department and registered nurses in A&E assessed as competent.

• To assess distance vision to aid ophthalmic examination and diagnosis
• As a base line for future comparison
• To assess prognosis and progress

NB For patients who are too young to read, have special needs affecting their reading or who cannot read English, the Sheridan Gardner chart may be useful. Please see Sheridan Gardner policy.

For people who cannot read English, Tumbling E chart is also available and is used in the same way as the Snellen chart described below. A translator may be organised, according to hospital translation guidelines, if required.

Policy Details