VISUAL ACUITY EXAMINATION AT HOME DURING COVID-19

In total, we receive more than 80% of our information about the environment through our vision. Evaluating a person's visual acuity is one of the main clinical steps to detect and correct refractive errors, or when evaluating the progression of visual anomalies or pathologies. Early detection of vision problems and rapid treatment prescribe better results. Recent studies in 2019 report that the use of telemedicine framework increased to accommodate for patients who required remote eye care due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19), which infected the globe in 2019 [1]. It is often not possible to examine patients remotely, so telemedicine is no substitute for face-to-face specialist consultations. Ophthalmology and optometry are one of the specialties well suited for telemedicine consultations, and acute problems in ophthalmology are an area where telemedicine can complement existing specialized services [2, 3]. There are currently many available tools for testing visual acuity at home, one of which is the Freiburg Visual Acuity & Contrast Test (FrACT) test. The test shows good reliability when compared to the golden standard ETDRS chart, or the Snellen chart [4, 5]. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the effectiveness of the FrACT test for testing visual acuity at home together with vision care specialist. The study involved 80 participants (5-86 years old, mean age $28 \pm 14$ years), 44 females (55%) and 36 males (45%). Visual acuity was assessed using a specialized FrACT computer test at both distance (3 m) and near (1 m) with and without optical glasses. No additional equipment is required without a computer, monitor and keyboard. The computerized FrACT test can be calibrated to the size and resolution of the monitor used. Before the visual acuity test using the Zoom video call app or WhatsApp, the participant had to contact a vision specialist to explain the process of the visual acuity test, the settings, the test parameters and monitor the quality of the visual acuity test, provide necessary advice, answers to patients' questions, results, next steps. The results have shown that the specialized computer program FrACT is a good tool to be used at home to check visual acuity and whether it is normal, as well as to monitor visual acuity improvement by performing various types of visual therapy (amblyopia treatment, medication treatment, etc.). Participants who did not pass the vision test were referred to a vision specialist for an advanced vision examination. In conclusion, during COVID-19, it was possible to check visual acuity remotely, from the comfort of home, using various tools, specifically the specialized computer program FrACT. They make life easier for the patient because they do not have to spend time visiting a vision specialist, checking whether their vision is normal (together with the vision specialist online), and the work of the vision specialist because it is possible to monitor the patient and/or the results of the therapy.