Is vision screening considered a diagnostic procedure?

Vision screening is not considered a diagnostic procedure because its purpose is primarily to identify individuals who may have vision problems that require further evaluation. Screening tests are typically brief, standardized assessments designed to detect potential deficiencies or disorders without providing a definitive diagnosis.

For example, a vision screening may involve basic tests like checking visual acuity using an eye chart or assessing whether an individual can see colors properly. If a screening indicates that there could be an issue, the individual is then referred for a comprehensive eye examination, which is the diagnostic procedure where a qualified professional will conduct a series of detailed tests to diagnose specific vision impairments or eye diseases.

This distinction is crucial in understanding the roles of different procedures within the context of vision health, emphasizing that screening serves as an early detection tool rather than a method for making clinical diagnoses.