ST. LOUIS—The American Optometric Association (AOA) announced it has opened the 30-day peer and public review period for the second edition of its evidence-based “Comprehensive Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination” clinical practice guideline. Comments will be accepted through August 5, 2026. “Participation in the 30-day peer and public review period is an important opportunity for doctors of optometry and others to share their expertise, strengthen the guideline and help ensure it reflects the full range of perspectives across pediatric eyecare,” said Michelle Welch, OD, AOA evidence-based optometry committee member and pediatric guideline project lead.
Developed by the AOA Evidence-based Optometry Guideline Development Group in accordance with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine standards, the AOA said this guideline undergoes external review by doctors of optometry, other healthcare professionals, researchers, agencies, industry representatives and members of the public before final publication.
“Building on the original edition published in 2017, key updates include expanded guidance on patient history, including congenital and developmental factors that may affect a child’s eye health and vision, as well as revised recommendations for evaluating low-risk newborns, children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, patients who have experienced concussion, and suspected cases of abusive head trauma,” said Glen Steele, OD, evidence-based optometry committee stakeholder expert for the AOA. “The guideline also adds new sections on myopia development and progression and reviews emerging evidence on digital device use, including its potential effects on eye strain, visual development and overall child development.”
The AOA said this updated guideline supports its ongoing advocacy to ensure every child has access to timely, comprehensive eyecare by providing clinicians with the latest evidence to inform high-quality pediatric care. With an estimated one in 10 preschool-aged children experiencing a vision problem, children’s eye health and vision remain a significant public health concern, the AOA said. Early detection through routine comprehensive eye exams by doctors of optometry is essential to identifying vision conditions that can affect a child’s visual development, learning and overall well-being.
“The AOA’s pediatric care guidance must be grounded in a rigorous, standardized review of the best available scientific evidence so that healthcare providers, families, educators and the public can have confidence in the recommendations that support children’s eye health and vision care,” said Dr. Welch.
The peer and public review period is open now and runs through August5, 2026. Doctors of optometry, healthcare professionals, researchers and members of the public are invited to review the draft guideline here and submit feedback through the AOA’s online peer and public review form here. The final guideline is expected to be published later in 2026.
