Design variations in children's distance vision screening charts contribute to inconsistencies noted in preschool vision screening programs. This study compares children's distance visual acuity on two chart designs: logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (LOGMAR) vs a chart of 'standard' design. In theory, the LOGMAR chart offers the advantages of improved precision in measuring inter-patient differences and greater consistency of follow-up measurements. Our findings indicate the following: 1) the ability to complete a test depends upon the child's age, not on chart design; 2) isolation of symbols is required more frequently for the LOGMAR charts than for the standard charts; and 3) on average, children have slightly poorer visual acuity scores on LOGMAR charts than on standard charts.