Original Research Prim Care Companion CNS Disord September 2026

Vision Care Pathway Measures and Vision Outcomes in US Children With Mental, Emotional, Developmental, or Behavioral Problems: National Survey of Children’s Health 2019–2023

PCC CNS Disord 2026;28(5):10.4088/PCC.26m04278

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. Clinical Summary Children with mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems often already carry heavy functional and family burdens, and vision problems can add another layer of impairment. This analysis matters clinically because it shows that these children are reaching screening and eye care more often, yet still have a higher burden of nonrefractive vision disorders and persistent visual symptoms. FAQ What did this study find about vision care use in children with mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems?

Key Takeaways The vision screening-to-referral pathway appears active rather than absent in children with mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems, with more than 60% undergoing vision screening by a non–eye provider; the clinical challenge may be what happens after referral, not just whether screening occurs. Clinical Guide How should clinicians respond when a child with mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems has possible vision problems despite prior screening or eye care contact?