Northeastern State University College of Optometry (NSUCO) Oculomotor Test: cultural adaptation and assessment of psychometric properties in the Italian language

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to translate and culturally adapt the Northeastern State University College of Optometry (NSUCO) oculomotor test for the Italian language and evaluate its psychometric properties for use on a healthy pediatric population.METHODS: International guidelines were followed for the translation and cultural adaptation process. The internal consistency and stability of the scale were calculated using Cronbach's a and the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively.RESULTS: The scale was administered to 160 subjects ages 5 through13 years recruited bythe Comprehensive Institute of Central Italy. The Italian version of the NSUCO test showed a Cronbach's a of 0.73 and good stability at the intra-rater (ICC with a range between 0.50 and 0.84) and inter-rater (ICC with a range between 0.71 and 0.97).CONCLUSIONS: The study provides Italian orthoptists with a valid and reliable tool, usable in a rapid manner in clinical practice in the evaluation of saccadic and tracking movements in a healthy Italian pediatric population.