The Amapola Test: description of a novel screening tool for visual alterations in primary care.

Abstract (English)

PURPOSE: To describe a novel screening tool for the detection of visual alterations in primary care. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in order to assess concordance and feasibility of the Amapola Test. In patients with a visual complaint, a primary care resident physician identified the visual symptom using the Amapola Test and the results were then compared with an expert history-taking conducted by an ophthalmologist. RESULTS: The Amapola Test was administered to 350 patients with visual disturbances. Of these, 321 patients identified the symptom on the visual charts. The test showed a high concordance rate, with a usability of 89.4% (95% CI: 86.2%-92.6%). The most frequently identified visual symptoms were blurred vision (109), isolated floaters (75), floaters combined with photopsia (23), and isolated photopsia (20). The most common diagnoses were posterior vitreous detachment (100), migraine visual aura (28), and exudative age-related macular degeneration (19). CONCLUSION: The Amapola Test allows for correct identification of visual symptoms. This study demonstrates a high level of concordance between patient-reported symptoms using the test and expert clinical history, and indicates potential application as a supportive tool in primary care. However, further studies in real-life settings are needed to demonstrate its usefulness and to evaluate its diagnostic performance. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: not applicable.