Examination of the Newborn: The Key Skills 1. The Eye

Abstract

Performing the newborn and infant physical examination (NIPE) is now recognised as part of the midwife’s sphere of practice. The majority of higher education institutions currently provide, or plan to include, NIPE training into their pre-registration curricula1 and many qualified midwives are embracing the NIPE role through undertaking continuous professional development modules.2 In the first of a five-part series, this article considers the importance of the eye examination in the screening process. The significance of history taking, knowledge of risk factors and the detection of the red reflex will be explored. The necessity for early detection of congenital cataracts, retinoblastoma and glaucoma, and the prerequisite referral pathways that the examination requires will also be highlighted.