What is the most widely used method of visual field screening that requires no special equipment?

Confrontation testing is the most widely used method of visual field screening that requires no special equipment. This technique involves the examiner sitting directly in front of the patient and using their own visual field as a reference. The examiner covers one eye of the patient while also covering their own opposite eye, then presents visual stimuli in the periphery to assess the patient’s ability to see objects in their visual field.

One key advantage of confrontation testing is its simplicity and ease of use in various settings, such as clinics or emergency rooms, where specialized equipment might not be available. It provides immediate feedback on gross visual field deficits and can be performed without any advanced training or tools, making it highly accessible.

Other methods such as standardized perimetry require specific, calibrated equipment to accurately measure visual fields in a controlled manner and are generally used in a clinical setting by trained professionals. Fundus photography focuses on capturing images of the retina and optic nerve and does not evaluate visual fields directly. Visual evoked potential testing involves the measurement of electrical activity in the brain in response to visual stimuli and is more complex and typically requires specialized equipment. Thus, confrontation testing stands out as the most practical and equipment-free option for basic visual field screening.