Optometric findings in velocardiofacial syndrome

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) is a congenital genetically determined condition with skeletal, heart, and facial anomalies. Almost all children have learning problems, despite an often normal or above average IQ. We have examined 10 children with a prior diagnosis of VCFS. All were mildly to moderately hyperopic. Most had poor accommodation, and convergence was clinically poor. About 30% had tortuous retinal vessels. VCFS may be detected in the optometry clinic, and optometric management may ameliorate the learning problems in some cases.