Doctoral Dissertation for Betty J. Ward, Ph.D., Preface.

Maximum Available Desk-to-Eye Distance for Students in Grades One and Two:
Regional Norms and Statistical Comparison to Distance Used for Near Point Screening

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GRADES ONE AND TWO: REGIONAL NORMS AND STATISTICAL
COMPARISON TO DISTANCE USED FOR
NEAR POINT SCREENING

A DISSERTATION
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

BY

BETTY J. WARD, B.M., M.Ed.

DENTON, TEXAS
MAY 1989

TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY
DENTON, TEXAS

                              April 17, 1989

To the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research:

I am submitting herewith a dissertation written by Betty J.

Ward entitled "Maximum Available Desk-to-Eye Distance for

Students in Grades One and Two:  Regional Norms and

Statistical Comparison to Distance Used for Near Point

Screening".  I have examined the final copy of this

dissertation for form and content and recommend that it be

accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

degree of Doctor of Philosophy, with a major in Special

Education.

                              M. L. Hayes

                              Major Professor

We have read this dissertation

and recommend its acceptance:

Marjorie S. Keele

Jean Pyfer

Donna D. Tynan

Michael J. Wiebe

Acknowledgements:

Many individuals and institutions contribute to the completion of a study. I am grateful to all who helped with this project. My special thanks are extended to

dissertation committee members--Professor Marnell Hayes (Chair), Marjorie Keele, M.D.; Professor Jean Pyfer, Professor Donna Tynan, Professor Michael Wiebe, and Professor Wallace Edge (formerly of Texas Woman's University);
pilot subject--Amy Wittenauer and her family;
participating schools and children;
participating furniture manufacturers--American Desk Company and Carter Craft;
state respondents knowledgeable about vision screening practices;
staffs at libraries--American Optometric Archives (Chicago); American Seating Company (Grand Rapids); School of Optometry, University of Houston; and Southwest Center for Medical Studies, University of Texas (Dallas);
professionals in other disciplines who gave of their time and expertise for discussions: Gerald Getman, O.D.; Dr. D. G. Ozias, Texas Bureau of Maternal and Child Health; C.A.T. Salerno, Media Specialist; Ed Snapp, R.P.T.; Richard Srebro, M.D., Director of Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Southwest Center for Medical Studies, University of Texas (Dallas); Professor David Marshall, Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, Texas Woman's University; Mildred Marsh, data entry;
authors who responded to personal correspondence;
Beverly Richey Strong, committed typist and word processor extraordinaire; and
Ottis Ward, field technician and husband, who gave unstintingly of his patience, and especially of his support, at times of stress and deadlines.

Abstract

Ward, Betty J., "Maximum Available Desk-to-Eye Distance for Students in Grades One and Two". Doctor of Philosophy (Special Education), May, 1989, 253 pp., 30 tables, 3 illustrations, 102 titles.

This study establishes maximum available desk-to-eye distance (MA-DED) normative tables for students in Grades 1 and 2 (ages 6 to 9 years) and investigates the effect of age, grade, and sex on available viewing distances while seated at two styles of desks (storage at side or across).

Reports on:

target distances used in nearpoint vision screening (TDNPVS), plus lens power used to screen for hyperopia (+D_FL), and vision screening practices (50 states and District of Columbia).

Significance of the study:

supplies criteria for near viewing distances available to students (Grades 1 and 2, ages 6 through 9 years) as bases for generalizability of other research findings and screening results. Statistical findings (two-tailed, p < .05) supported three hypotheses: significant differences for independent samples (MA-DED means and TDNPVS), and diopter equivalents [D_S, D_A] of MA-DED means and summed equivalents and plus power used in screening, and significant differences for paired samples (means difference remeasured/measured MA-DED means). MANOVA revealed no effects of grade group or age group per se. Univariate analysis revealed three-way interaction among age group, grade, and style of desk; means differences of Side minus Across not consistent between grades when viewed across age groups.

Conclusions:

Present +D_FL are too low for mean viewing distances; near viewing distances are shorter than most near screening distances; available viewing distances of boys were usually shorter than those of girls; lower age and grade level are associated with shorter available maximum viewing distances; near visual demands are not constant across age and grade or desk style; viewing distance of across desk is less than viewing distance of side desk.

Application:

As viewing distances for near vision screening research or determining generalizability; use individual MA-DED established in classroom or appropriate means of MA-DED.

Key Words:

Ages 6 through 9, Near Screening Distances, Near Viewing Distance, Norm Tables, Plus Screening Lens, Vision Screening Practices.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

List of Tables

List of Illustrations

Chapter I:

Chapter II: Review of the Literature

Chapter III: Methodology

Chapter IV: Data Analysis and Results

Chapter V: Summary, Findings, Discussion, Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations

References

Appendices

Appendix A: State Publications: Vision Screening Guidelines
Appendix B: Sample Teacher Observations
Appendix C: Inquiry Respondents
Appendix D: Letters
Appendix E: Brief Description of the Study
Appendix F: Summary Consent Form Reply: Measure/Remeasure
Appendix G: Instructions to Local Helpers
Appendix H: Figure 2. Demonstration of Correct Posture
Appendix I: Figure 3. Sample of Target Cross
Appendix J: Procedure for Taking the MA-DED Measurement
Appendix K: Form for Collection of MA-DED Data
Appendix L: Criteria for Measurement Locations and Resulting Locations
Appendix M: Criteria for Fit of Chair and Desk
Appendix N: Norming of the MA-DED
Appendix O: Legend of Acronyms
Appendix P: Reply and Response Forms
Appendix Q: Tables

List of Tables

Table 1: Mean Nearpoint Working Distance According to Age Group in Hurst's Study (Hurst 1964)

Table 2: Inquiry Responses, 1985-86: Frequency of Fogging Lens Power by Grade and Age

Table 3: Inquiry Responses, 1985-86: Target Distances Used in Nearpoint Vision Screening (TDNPVS)

Table 4: Manufacturers' Suggested Desk/Chair Heights for Grades 1 and 2

Table 5: Subjects' Ages, Grade Levels, and Ethnic Origins

Table 6: Inquiry Responses, 1985-86, Target Distances and Tests Used to Screen Nearpoint Vision

Table 7: : Inquiry Responses, 1985-86, Power of Plus Diopter Lens Used to Screen for Hyperopia by Grade

Table 8: Frequency Distribution of Furniture Used for MA-DED Measurements

Table 9: Retention of Subjects for Data Analysis

Table 10: Range of Measured and Remeasured Side and Across MA-DED Scores and Target Distances for Nearpoint Vision Screening (TDNPVS)

Table 11: Range of Diopter Equivalents (+D) of Individual MA-DEDs

Table 12: Maximum Available Desk-to-Eye Distance (MA-DED) Means by Age Span and Desk Style

Table 13: Student's T-Tests: Expected and Actual Percentages

Table 14: MANOVA of the MA-DED

Table 15: Cell Means: Differences Between Across and Side MA-DEDs

Table 16: Inquiry Responses, 1985-86: Near Tests and Target Distances

Table 17: Inquiry Responses, (1985-86): Status of Vision Screening

Table 18: Excerpts from TEA Statistical Brief SB81SAR: Annotated Definitions of Terms

Table 19: Participating Public Schools: Texas Education Agency Category Analysis, 1985-86

Table 20: Participating Parochial School

Table 21: Description of Equipment Used in the Study

Table 22: Maximum Available Desk-to-Eye Distance (MA-DED) Means by Grade and Desk Style

Table 23: Maximum Available Desk-to-Eye Distance (MA-DED) Means by Sex, Grade, and Desk Style

Table 24: Maximum Available Desk-to-Eye Distance (MA-DED) Means by Age, Grade, and Desk Style

Table 25: Maximum Available Desk-to-Eye Distance (MA-DED) Means by Age, Sex, and Desk Style

Table 26: Remeasured Maximum Available Desk-to-Eye Distance (MA-DED) Means by Grade and Desk Style

Table 27: Remeasured Maximum Available Desk-to-Eye Distance (MA-DED) Means by Sex and Desk Style

Table 28: Linear Range of Emmetropic Clear Vision for Given Accommodation, With No Reserve

Table 29: Inquiry Responses (1985-86), Screening for Hyperopia by State: Fogging Lens Power at Given Grade(s) or Age(s)

Table 30: Inquiry Responses (1985-86): Hyperopia Screening by Grade, Age, Special Conditions or Populations, and Frequency

List of Illustrations

Figure 1: Relationship of Selected Criteria (+D Lens) to Screening Strengths

Figure 2: Demonstration of Correct Posture

Figure 3: Sample of Target Cross

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