# Barriers and limitations of conventional oculovisual screening methods in children: a systematic review perspective

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the challenges of traditional vision screening in children, highlighting barriers like resource limits and policy issues.

## Contribution

The study systematically identifies five key barriers to conventional pediatric vision screening methods.

## Key findings

- Five key barriers were identified: methodological limitations, resource constraints, competency gaps, socioeconomic and psychological barriers, and policy challenges.
- The review analyzed 25 eligible studies using thematic analysis and PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- The findings suggest a need for novel screening approaches to improve early detection of vision problems in children.

## Abstract

Early detection of vision problems in children is essential for preventing developmental delays and academic challenges. Conventional vision screening methods are widely implemented; however, various barriers limit their effectiveness and accessibility.

This systematic review aims to identify and analyse the barriers and limitations associated with conventional vision screening methods in children.

A systematic search was conducted across the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases using predefined keywords and Boolean operators. Eligible studies included empirical investigations that examined barriers and limitations in paediatric vision screening. The review adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and quality assessment was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

Of the studies screened, 25 met the inclusion criteria. Employing thematic analysis, five key barriers and limitations were discovered: (i) methodological limitations, (ii) resource constraints, (iii) competency gaps, (iv) socioeconomic and psychological barriers, and (v) policy and systemic challenges.

Future research should focus on evaluating novel screening approaches that can overcome current limitations and enhance early detection rates for a broader range of paediatric vision conditions.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-025-04592-w.