Visual screening in Colombia: what the RIAS ask for
- Topic
In Colombia, visual screening is part of the health checks at every life stage and of the newborn screening programme, with defined referral criteria.
See it in 3D: Retina · Optic disc
What it is
Colombia's Integrated Care Route for Health Promotion and Maintenance (Resolución 3280 de 2018) includes visual assessment in the comprehensive health checks done by general practitioners, paediatricians, family doctors and nurses throughout life: visual acuity, external examination of the eye and fundus examination, with referral to optometry or ophthalmology according to findings. Since Ley 1980 de 2019, visual screening is also part of the national newborn screening programme, whose technical guidelines were updated by Resolución 117 de 2026.
Key facts
- Newborns: red reflex test, external inspection and pupil exam in the first days of life; any abnormality is referred at once to ophthalmology or paediatric ophthalmology.
- Children 3 to 5 years: refer if distance acuity is 20/50 or worse in either eye.
- From 6 years (children, adolescents, adults and older adults): refer if acuity is 20/50 or worse in either eye, or there is a difference of two lines or more between the eyes.
- Near vision of 1M or worse in either eye, an abnormal corneal light reflex, an abnormal red reflex, or structural abnormalities: refer.
- Fundus: refer media opacities, vascular changes (diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy) and an enlarged optic cup; people with diabetes of more than five years are always referred.
In clinical practice
- Colombian clinical guidelines add amblyopia and refractive-error screening schedules for children, retinopathy of prematurity screening for premature infants, and a visual health certificate at school entry.
- Screening is useful only if referrals are completed: follow up that the patient was seen.
- Register findings and referrals in the health record so the next visit can check them.
Next step / Initial management
- At each RIAS health check: measure visual acuity, inspect the eyes and look at the fundus, and refer by the criteria above.
- Newborns with an abnormal visual screen: first ophthalmology visit without delay.
- Premature infants: apply the ROP screening criteria of the national guideline.
- People with diabetes: refer for retinal assessment, and always after five years of disease.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which acuity result requires referral from age 6 under the Colombian RIAS guidance?
20/50 or worse in either eye, or a difference of two lines or more between the eyes.
What does neonatal visual screening include in Colombia?
The red reflex test, external inspection and pupil examination, with immediate referral to ophthalmology if abnormal.
Which patients with diabetes are always referred for retinal assessment?
Those with diabetes of more than five years' duration.
Connections
See it in 3D2
The structures of Durgical's 3D anatomy where it is found.
Educational content; not a clinical guideline and no substitute for assessment by a health professional. For sudden visual loss, severe eye pain, a chemical burn or an eye injury, go to an emergency department at once.
Sources: Pautas para la valoración de la salud visual para profesionales de medicina y enfermería, en el marco de la Resolución 3280 de 2018 (Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia, 2019); Resolución 117 de 2026: actualiza el Anexo Técnico 1 de la Resolución 207 de 2024 (Programa de Tamizaje Neonatal) (Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia, 2026); Guía de práctica clínica para la prevención, la detección temprana, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de la ambliopía en menores de 18 años (Guía No. 48) (Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia, 2016).
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.