
UC-Cube: Responding to clinical need in paediatric eyecare
Evidence of need to assess accommodation in people with special needs with an objective technique
Elsewhere on Ulster
UC-CUBE tool for assessment of accommodation by dynamic retinoscopy
The Ulster-Cardiff Accommodation CUBE has been developed collaboratively by researchers and clinicians at Ulster University and Cardiff University to provide a quick, objective measure of accommodative function (focusing accuracy) in optometric, orthoptic and ophthalmological practice.
We have used the UC-CUBE for many years to assess accommodation in babies, young children and those with communication difficulties. Our research, and that of others, has shown that difficulties in producing and maintaining accurate accommodation are extremely common amongst children with special needs and are not uncommon in typically developing children.1,2
Research conducted at Ulster demonstrated that the UC-CUBE provides a repeatable and reliable measure of accommodation and we have published normative data to allow clinicians to identify responses that are atypical and require intervention or management.3,4
To assess accommodative accuracy, the UC-CUBE simply requires the patient to look at illuminated high contrast pictures. Pictures with varying levels of detail are available to allow testing of patients with a range of visual acuities (from approximately 6/250). Retinoscopy is used to evaluate the accuracy of the patient’s focus while they view the target. A measurement of the size of any defocus can quickly be made using the ruler and evaluated as within or outside normal limits.
An interchangeable target also allows the UC-CUBE to be used to assess accommodative amplitude, convergence and near visual acuity using targets similar to those available on the traditional RAF rule.
If you are interested in finding out more about the UC-CUBE please contact kj.saunders@ulster.ac.uk.
The UC-CUBE is currently available for worldwide shipping from PAVision.
Email: info@pavisionuk.com
Evidence of need to assess accommodation in people with special needs with an objective technique
UC CUBE for accommodation measurement - why should eyecare clinicians use this in practice?
The UC-CUBE instruction leaflet contains comprehensive information about its use.
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