Development of a new competency-based comprehensive training program for vision screeners

OBJECTIVE: School-based vision screening programs identify children with ocular abnormalities and refer them to eye care professionals, allowing access to better vision and improved learning potential. While non-health care professionals often conduct these screenings, effective training methods are not well defined. This study describes a standardized, competency-based training program to prepare non-health care personnel to perform reliable vision screenings for children. DESIGN: Competency-based and experiential learning. PARTICIPANTS: 170 students from McMaster University. METHODS: Training included 4 phases: (1) online modules with assessments; (2) hands-on screening skill development at practical stations; (3) competency evaluation via Objective Structured Clinical Examination; and (4) remediation for underperforming trainees. RESULTS: From 2022 to 2025, 170 trainees enrolled in the program, 128 completed the program successfully, and only 9 required Phase 4 support. Over 19,000 senior kindergarten students were screened through the new competency-based screening program. CONCLUSIONS: Further validation will support the standardization of this training model. A universally adopted training method to teach non-eye care professionals to accurately perform vision screening is essential to ensure that all children receive the highest standard of care.