At what age should a child have his or her vision screened? Vision screening is most effective when performed at as young an age as possible. The earlier a problem is detected, the better the chance to obtain maximal vision through appropriate treatment. What if a child fails his or her vision screening? If a child fails school entry vision screening, the child should be referred for a comprehensive eye examination at your local eye clinic.
Children who fail the school exit screening are encouraged to attend their local optician. A comprehensive training programme for public health nurses, area medical officers and school nurses was published in , and is available to view and download as a PDF on the HSE website here.
A cknowledgements. Contact us. As a child focuses on a penlight, the position of the light reflection from the front surface cornea of the eye is observed. The test is accurate only if the child looks directly at the light and not to the side.
Normally the corneal light reflex is in sharp focus and centered on both pupils. The test is abnormal if the corneal light reflex is not crisp and clear or if it is "off-center. This test detects misalignment of the eyes. While the child focuses on a target, the examiner covers each eye sequentially to look for a "shift" in the alignment of the eyes.
This test requires a cooperative child usually 3 years or older and an experienced examiner. The use of an eye chart requires a cooperative child, so successful testing is greatest with children 3 years and older. It is the only screening method that directly measures visual acuity and is the preferred exam for older children. Modifications of the adult eye chart make it easier to test children. For example, it is recommended that the foot testing distance be shortened to 10 feet.
Symbols or shapes can be used in place of letters. Testing with both eyes open initially is performed before carefully covering one eye at a time with a patch occlusion to test each eye separately.
The main goal of vision screening is to identify children who have or are at risk of developing amblyopia , which can lead to permanent visual impairment unless treated in early childhood.
Other problems that can be detected by vision screening include strabismus eye misalignment , cataracts , glaucoma , ptosis drooping eyelid , refractive errors such as myopia "nearsightedness" , hyperopia "farsightedness" and astigmatism , and other more serious conditions such as tumors or neurological diseases. Pediatricians, family practitioners, nurses and technicians can perform vision screening at regular well care office visits.
The purpose of a vision screening is to identify vision problems in a treatable stage, provide education, and provide a referral to an eye care provider for a comprehensive eye exam if needed. The vision screening should be conducted by an individual that has completed a training and certification program from a recognized certifying agency Prevent Blindness. Further, it is always pointed out during a Prevent Blindness-certified screening that a screening is not an exam and should not be seen as replacing one.
An eye exam diagnoses eye disorders and diseases and prescribes treatment. A comprehensive eye examination is generally understood to include an evaluation of the refractive state, dilated fundus examination, visual acuity, ocular alignment, binocularity, and color vision testing where appropriate however, for specifics, we would encourage you to contact the professional associations as their definitions may differ.
Prevent Blindness strongly believes that some children should be directly referred to an eye care specialist for a comprehensive eye examination rather than undergo a vision screening. Skip to main content. Turn off Animations. Turn on Animations. Our Sponsors Log in Register. Log in Register. Ages and Stages. Healthy Living. Safety and Prevention.
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