Measure Distance Visual Acuity with the Snellen Chart

Name:______

Date:______

Procedure 37-1

Measure Distance Visual Acuity with the Snellen Chart

Objective: The student, using the supplies and equipment listed below, will

demonstrate how to assist the patient in testing the visual acuity of both eyes

Supplies:Snellen chart, occluder, spatula, or card, patient chart

Affective Behaviors: Affective behaviors provide a professional approach to a skill that enhances the patient encounter. These behaviors may also display sensitivity to patient’s rights and enhance communication. Pay close attention to these skills which will be in bold, italicized font.

Notes to the Student:

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Skills Assessment Requirements

Read and familiarize yourself with the procedure; complete the minimum practice requirements. Document each MPR using proper charting technique. Complete each procedure within a reasonable amount of time, with a minimum of 85% accuracy.

1. / Wash your hands. Gather equipment and supplies.
2. / Greet and identify the patient, introduce yourself and escort the patient to the examination room.
3. / Record the patient’s history and main complaint. Explain the
entire procedure to the patient.
4.  / Position the patient, standing or sitting, at the 20-foot line.
Give the patient the occluder. Observe patient during the procedure for head tilting, squinting, and tearing.
5. / Ask the patient to cover the left eye, keeping it open, and to read
aloud from the top line to the
smallest line of readable letters.
6.  / Record the right-eye vision with the number of errors. For one or two errors, record the vision fraction and minus one or two. For more than two errors, record the vision fraction as noted one line above on the Snellen chart.
For example, if the patient reads the 20/40 line with the
right eye and two errors, the result is recorded as OD 20/40-2. If the patient reads the 20/40 line with the right eye and three errors, the result is OD 20/50, or one line above the 20/40 line.
7.  / Next, ask the patient to repeat the procedure, covering
the right eye and reading with the left.
8. / Record the left-eye vision with the number of errors. Sign the entry including your name and credentials.
9.  / Wash your hands and report the results to the physician.

Document:Enter the appropriate information in the chart below.

Grading

Points Earned / ______
Points Possible / ______/ 63 / 63
Percent Grade
(Points Earned/Points Possible) / ______
PASS: / ______/  YES
 NO
 N/A /  YES
 NO
 N/A

Instructor Sign-Off

Instructor:______Date:______