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.
Screening Activities for children 6 months of age to 36 months of age
- External Observation: The screener will look closely at the child and note any conditions that might be associated with vision problems. If the primary care giver is present at the screening the screener will briefly interview the care giver regarding home observations.
- PhotoScreener™: The photoscreener camera takes a picture of the child's eyes.
Screening Activities for children 37months of age to 72 months of age
- External Observation
- PhotoScreener™
- Visual Acuity Screening: The child is asked to look at LEA Symbols and identify or match four out of five pictures. Screening activities for distance and near acuity are completed.
- Stereopsis (depth perception): Using the Lang Stereopsis card, the child is asked to touch or identify the pictures on the card.
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, preschool director, or Sunday school teacher 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.
