The "fix and follow" method of evaluating visual function is generally used with which patients?

The "fix and follow" method is a fundamental assessment technique used to evaluate visual function, particularly in infants. This method involves observing the ability of a young child to fixate on an object and follow its movement with their eyes. Since infants are still developing their visual and motor skills, this technique provides valuable insights into their visual capabilities and neurological health.

Using the "fix and follow" method is particularly important for infants because they cannot communicate their visual experiences or perform more complex tasks that older children or adults may be able to do. The ability to fixate on and follow a target indicates not only visual acuity but also eye coordination and neurological development. In contrast, adults, teenagers, and patients with developmental delays generally have more advanced visual processing abilities and can engage in more sophisticated tests, making the "fix and follow" method less applicable to them. This method effectively captures how well an infant's visual system is functioning at a very basic level.