Visual acuity, often expressed using a fraction, indicates the clarity or sharpness of vision measured at a distance. A measurement of 20/15 signifies that an individual can see at 20 feet what a person with standard, or 20/20, vision can only see at 15 feet. This denotes superior visual capability at a distance.
Possessing enhanced visual acuity, as represented by the aforementioned measurement, can be advantageous in activities requiring precise distance vision. Examples include certain sports, such as baseball or tennis, and professions where visual detail at a distance is critical, like piloting or surgery. Historically, the development of standardized visual acuity testing provided a quantifiable method for assessing and comparing visual function across individuals.