Using the blinq device to detect common vision problems

Amblyopia is a common vision problem in children, affecting 2 to 3 out of 100, and went caught early can often be corrected. An investigation examined the accuracy of blinq pediatric vision scanner from Rebion on accuracy when diagnosing amblyopia and strabismus.¹

The investigators performed a cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study. Participants aged 1 to 20 years were enrolled and test by people who were masked to the diagnosis. They were then given a complete ophthalmologic examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist who was masked from the screening result. Separate analyses were used for participants who had been previous treated amblyopia or strabismus.

A total of 193 participants were included in the analysis, with 53 who had been previously treated and 140 who were treatment-naïve. Among the participants who were treatment-naïve, 65 had either amblyopia or strabismus; 11 had risk factors/suspected binocular vision deficit without amblyopia or strabismus; and the other 64 were control. Investigators found that sensitivity was 100%, as all 66 patients who had ocular disease that warranted a referral were given one. The 5 patients who had intermittent strabismus and were given pass results were considered an “acceptable pass” due to patient risk factors and amblyogenic potential. Seven incorrect referrals meant the specificity of 91%. Following an analysis of a subcohort of children aged 2 to 8 years, investigators found similar results (sensitivity 100%; specificity 89%).

The investigators concluded that the device had high sensitivity and specificity when it came to detecting referral-warranted unilateral amblyopia and strabismus. Using the device with vision screening programs could potentially lead to improve disease detection rates along with a reduction in false referrals. In a press release for the study results, Justin Shaka, CEO of Rebion said, "the blinq vision scanner is a powerful tool in the fight to eliminate vision loss from amblyopia and strabismus. By placing our technology in the hands of every pediatric practice and every preschool vision screening program in the country, blinq enables front-line screeners to prioritize those most in need for specialist care."²

References

1. Bosque L, Yamarino C, Salcedo N, et al. Evaluation of the blinq vision scanner for detection of amblyopia and strabismus. Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. 2021;25(4):214.e1-214.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaapos.2021.02.011

2. Rebion. Newly published clinical trial shows unprecedented accuracy of Rebion's blinq® vision scanner in pediatric vision screening. Published September 20, 2021. Accessed September 24, 2021. https://www.newswire.com/news/newly-published-clinical-trial-shows-unprecedented-accuracy-of-rebions-21501292