Generally, it is a physical exam done on neonates and children by healthcare providers but occasionally occurs in flash photography seen when the pupil does not have enough time to constrict and reflects the fundus known as the red-eye effect.
The objective is to detect ocular pathology that needs early intervention and ophthalmology referral to prevent visual abnormalities and more serious, but rarely, death.
[4] Regardless of the effectiveness, it is a fast, inexpensive, and noninvasive exam that could identify ocular pathology which with early identification can alter the course of the disease.
The American Academy of Pediatrics describes using a direct ophthalmoscope with a lens at 0, approximately 18 inches away in a dimly lit room on each eye.
Both the pediatric and family physician associations encourage newborn screening and continued assessment at all visits because some diseases only develop later in life.