A new device called the Dynamic Ocular Evaluation System (DOES) can screen children’s eyes for abnormalities, while the kids watch a cartoon or play a computer game. What more could you ask for? DOES is low-cost, high-quality, and operator- and child-friendly. The test is done as the child watches a three-minute cartoon or plays a computer game. Infrared light is used to analyze the binocular condition and the assessment is reported on-site within a minute. Neither eye dilation nor verbal response is required.
At the beginning of the cartoon, a three-second comprehensive test screens for binocular refractive risks, high-order aberration, scattering, ocular alignment, and significant neural problems. The subsequent dynamic test searches for less significant signs of abnormal ocular alignment, neural responses, amblyopia, and—in the future—mental statuses that include dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism. The images and results are digitally recorded and can be electronically transmitted to specialists for referral if necessary.”
If, in fact the DOES does do everything it claims to do, it sure would make things easier for us parents. My nine-year old sees a pediatric ophthalmologist for various problems with his eyes and he is always getting bored while sitting still for the interminable time it seems to take for them to run all the tests at each appointment. He also vociferously complains because they have to dilate his eyes. I know a quicker, more fun process would certainly go a long way towards making our trip to the eye doctor more pleasant. Perhaps I wouldn’t even have to bribe him with a trip to McDonald’s on the way home. A mom can dream, can’t she?