Final answer:
Vision screening tests are recommended periodically, especially before school enrollment and then regularly based on healthcare advice. These tests involve assessing visual acuity with the Snellen chart, evaluating peripheral vision, and inspecting the physical health of the eyes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vision screening tests are important health checks that should be conducted periodically throughout one's lifetime. They are particularly crucial during childhood and adolescence, as vision problems can affect learning and development. It is recommended to get an eye exam before starting school, and then regularly based on the advice of a healthcare provider. A routine eye exam evaluates your need for glasses or contacts and checks for diseases that could lead to vision loss. Optometrists use a variety of tests during an exam, including the Snellen chart to assess visual acuity. This test measures how well you can see at distances when compared to normal vision. Additionally, your peripheral vision is checked, and your eyes are physically inspected, including the optic disk via an ophthalmoscope, to screen for more serious conditions.