Conceptual domains and key items in question-based paediatric vision screening: a systematic review protocol

Background: Vision plays a fundamental role in a child's development, yet paediatric vision disorders often go undetected due to the limitations of conventional screening methods. Question-based vision screening tools have emerged as an early identification of vision problems in children. Nevertheless, the conceptual domains and key items used in the existing tools vary, leading to inconsistent screening outcomes. Objectives: This systematic review aims to identify the core conceptual domains and key items essential in existing question-based paediatric vision screening tools. Methods: This systematic review protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines and is registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD420251006529). A comprehensive literature search will be conducted across four databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCOhost MEDLINE Complete for peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 to 2024, restricted to publications in English and Malay. Eligibility criteria will be based on the Population, Interest, and Context (PICo) framework, focusing on studies examining the conceptual domains and key items in question-based vision screening tools for children aged 4 to 12 years. Two independent reviewers will screen and assess the studies for methodological quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data will be synthesised using thematic synthesis methods to identify the conceptual domains and key items. Anticipated outcomes: This systematic review will offer a comprehensive synthesis of the core conceptual domains and key items employed in question-based paediatric vision screening tools.