The examination of young children in optometry practice can often seem challenging. The key underlying question we want to answer when we examine young children is whether their vision is developing normally or not. Being able to perform an accurate cycloplegic refraction plays an important role in this in determining whether there is a refractive error present which is likely to disrupt normal visual development. It also allows for better fundal examination.
This short course offers some guidance on how to approach cycloplegic refraction in kids, both in practical terms of how to perform it, and also in how to interpret the results in terms of how and when to prescribe. It also considers the indcations for carryiong out this type of examination given that it can be distressing for the patient and parent.