Which statement correctly describes Snellen chart testing distances for adults and children?

Which statement correctly describes Snellen chart testing distances for adults and children?

• A. Adults 10 ft; children 20 ft
• B. Both at 20 ft
• C. Adults 20 ft; children 10 ft
• D. Both at 10 ft

Answer: (C)

Snellen testing distance measures distance visual acuity by comparing what a person can read at a set distance to what a person with normal vision should read at that distance. For adults, the standard testing distance is 20 feet, so a normal acuity is described as 20/20. For children, using a shorter distance, typically 10 feet, makes the test easier to perform in smaller exam rooms and accommodates younger patients’ needs while still reliably assessing distance vision. This is why the best choice is adults at 20 feet and children at 10 feet.

Snellen testing distance measures distance visual acuity by comparing what a person can read at a set distance to what a person with normal vision should read at that distance. For adults, the standard testing distance is 20 feet, so a normal acuity is described as 20/20. For children, using a shorter distance, typically 10 feet, makes the test easier to perform in smaller exam rooms and accommodates younger patients’ needs while still reliably assessing distance vision. This is why the best choice is adults at 20 feet and children at 10 feet.