Vision impairment does not affect what a child is able to learn cognitively. However it does affect how a child learns. Young children rely on all of their senses to explore and interact with their environment. Early learning experiences are vital to the overall development of young children. When children experience visual difficulties and those difficulties are left untreated they may result in amblyopia. 3-5% of children have some form of amblyopia and if left untreated lifelong visual deficits and limitation in functional abilities occur.
Refractive errors are found in up to 15% of children while strabismus is diagnosed in 5% of the early childhood population.
A small child has no experience to know they do not see well.
The screening activities the screener uses depends of the age and developmental level of the child. It is important that the individuals performing vision screening be thoroughly trained in this area.
PediaVision Assessment System
The regional Developmental Center or Lions Club in your community offers free vision screening. A parental consent form is required to screen your child's vision. Ask your child's local day care director, or preschool director if they know about the program or would like to participate in the screening program. Parents or child service providers can contact their local Developmental Center or Lions Club to arrange for a screening or you can contact the project director.
