Abstract:  Objective To investigate the current status of distance visual acuity testing among ophthalmic nurses in China, and to provide a reference for further standardization of distance visual acuity testing and training of clinical nurses. Design A cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Participants 34 directors and 781 ophthalmic clinical nurses from 34 ophthalmic nursing training bases nationwide. Methods A survey questionnaire was designed based on the Chinese National Standard for the Standard Logarithmic Visual Acuity Chart (GB11533-2011). The survey was conducted using the questionnaire Star App and the collected data was analyzed. Main Outcome Measures The training and assessment of distance visual acuity testing, the knowledge of ophthalmic nurses on the National Standard for the Standard Logarithmic Visual Acuity Chart, and the distance, height, and illumination for distance visual acuity measurement. Results 21 hospitals (61.8%) had training materials and qualification test, 5 hospitals (14.7%) had no training materials and test, 8 hospitals (23.5%) had qualification test, but no relevant training materials. 31 hospitals (91.2%) had operating standards for distant visual acuity test, and the remaining 3 hospitals (8.8%) had no operating standards. 24 hospitals (70.6%) departments were equipped with standard logarithmic vision charts, 8 hospitals (23.5%) departments did not have standard logarithmic vision charts, and 2 hospitals (5.9%) did not know the National Standard. 84.6% of the nurses knew the National Standard and 15.4% did not. Operation without certification (OR=3.93, 95%CI: 1.77~8.73, P=0.0022) and only one remote vision chart (OR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.18~2.87, P=0.0072) were independent risk factors for the nurses not knowing the National Standard. Conclusion The standardized management level of distant visual acuity test of nurses needs to be improved, and the standardized training of distant visual acuity test by nurses needs to be strengthened. At present, it is urgent to standardize the operation procedures of distant visual acuity test nationwide. (Ophthalmol CHN, 2023, 32: 275-280)

Key words: training for ophthalmic nurses, distant visual acuity test