M&S Technologies | The First Choice in Vision Testing Systems

The Smart System FirstTest™ Vision Screening System was developed to increase the quality of vision screening of children to capture amblyopia, strabismus and identify differences in the development of the eyes at a very early age. This technology includes a standardized test by age group, reducing errors and interpretation and conforms to the vision screening requirements of the America Academy of Pediatrics.

This innovative approach conducts multiple vision screening protocols that comply with all major Pediatric Eye Care Professional Associations and utilize symbol and letter sets that are standards in the industry and are used world-wide, such as Lea Symbols® and Lea Numbers®. The only symbols and letter sets we use are calibrated, peer reviewed and published.

A significant advantage of this system is that the screening can be conducted by a non-eye care professional. In a high volume screening environment such as schools, city or county vision programs, volunteers, parents or others can conduct the screening with minimal training. The user simply selects letters or symbols, type of test, age of the child or patient and the screening begins.

Key Features of the Smart System FirstTest™

Efficient Screening

Fast, reliable screenings averaging 2 to 3 minutes and requires just 5, 10 or 13 feet from the face to the display. Its unique features include a standardized test by age group as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus which reduces errors and allows for conclusive screening. Easy to follow, the examiner simply presses correct or incorrect based on the child’s response.

Pre-Programmed Protocols

Each pre-programmed protocol runs the same screening test each and every time thereby eliminating test-to-test inconsistencies, user bias, and administrative errors. The results of the screening are displayed on the screen for recording and/or recommending that the patient be referred to an eye-care professional. 

Symbols and Letter Sets

This automated technology allows the user to select peer reviewed and calibrated LEA Symbols, LEA Numbers, HOTV, Snellen Letters or the traditional Allen Pictures. Each algorithm by age group follow the screening requirements of the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). Furthermore, the systems are configurable to comply with state screening requirements in schools or other state funded institutions. So whether you’re a pediatrician, a technician, school nurse or a volunteer conducting free vision screenings, FirstTest™ is the solution.

The protocol choices include Critical Line which in 5 letters/symbols determines if the child has the minimum “normal” acuity for a child their age. The Single Crowded protocol uses 50% crowding bars around a single letter or symbol and is useful not just for measuring acuity but screening for amblyopia. The Mass Test crowds the critical line, combining the best features of the first two protocols in one easy and efficient format. The Threshold Test performs a more thorough visual acuity test to determine the true visual acuity for each eye and can note two-line differences between the eyes which should result in referral to an eye care professional.

Hardware Requirements

The system can run on any PC running Microsoft® XP, Vista or Windows 7. We can supply the hardware or you can purchase the software and install it on your own computer. It can also be used on a laptop for portability.