Description

The Cardiff Acuity Test, is a preferential-looking vision assessment designed for toddlers aged 1–3 years and for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

This test combines preferential looking with vanishing optotypes, based on the idea that young children naturally look toward an interesting picture when given a choice between an image and a blank field. Each test card features a simple, engaging picture (such as a house, car, or duck) placed at either the top or bottom of a neutral grey background. The full set includes eleven acuity levels, with three cards per level.

To administer the test, the examiner begins with the largest image, shown at either 1 meter or 50 cm. Holding the card at the child’s eye level, the examiner observes whether the child looks up or down to locate the picture. After estimating the child’s gaze direction on two cards, the examiner checks accuracy and proceeds to the next level if both responses are correct. If the child’s responses are incorrect or unclear, the examiner repeats the previous level using all three cards. The test endpoint is reached when the child correctly identifies two out of three cards at a given acuity level.

The Standard Test comprises 12 sizes (B-M) with 3 cards at each size. These sizes cover acuity measurements LogMAR 0.9 to -0.2 and Snellen 6/48 to 6/3.75 at one meter; plus LogMAR 1.2 to 0.1 and Snellen 6/96 to 6/7.5 at fifty centimetres.

Click here for the Test Instructions.