I saw this article online (http://www.cehjournal.org/0953-6833/15/jceh_15_43_039.html) about different methods that can be used to see if someone needs refractive correction. Almost at the end of the article, the author talks about “Malingerers” – people who say they need glasses, but really don’t. Some of the highlights from this are listed here:
Malingering could indicate behavioural and other problems or just a desire to wear spectacles and be like parents or friends.
Children failing the Snellen test and showing no improvement in visual acuity could, in fact, be malingerers. Retinoscopy, with cycloplegia, is the best method to determine if a refractive condition exists.
Tests for malingering may also use the following techniques:
- Put plano lenses into the trial frame and observe any improvement
- Move the child closer to the chart and then take visual acuity. No improvement indicates malingering.
I wonder if there is any way that we can test the veracity of what a patient is saying? Also, how do you help someone to know what they should be looking for?