Children's Vision Screening Certification

 

Eighty percent of learning is visual, yet one in four school-age children and one in 20 preschool-age children has an undiagnosed vision impairment.

Indiana law requires a Modified Clinical Technique (MCT) exam be performed by a licensed eye-care professional at kindergarten or first, third and eighth grades. No funds or resources support these laws, however, so because of limited time, means and manpower, schools can seek a waiver of the MCT exam. Schools that opt out of the MCT requirement can ask PBI to screen—our teams help schools screen their children early and efficiently to make sure they are visually prepared to learn.

Below are the techniques we use, all approved and recommended by Prevent Blindness America.

 

Visual Acuity

Lea Symbols Chart  This chart has symbols evenly sized and spaced with easily identified images, as well as smaller chart to present to a child so he or she can point to the matching picture if they cannot or prefer not to say it aloud.

 

SIFIMAV

This remote control electronic flatscreen machine allows you to select any acuity chart you want to use—such as Snellen E, HOTV, picture—as well as single out each line (20/20, 20/30, 20/40, etc.) so the child only has to focus on one line of letters or images on the screen. The remote also allows you to scramble the letters or images with each new child, preventing them from memorizing the answers.

 

SureSight

This hand-held equipment allows our staff and volunteers to conduct electronic vision screenings on large groups efficiently and effectively, as well as screen infants and children with communication barriers due to age, language or physical condition.

 

Field of Vision / Muscle Balance

Random Dot E Stereopsis  Depth perception test designed for children ages 3 and older. Child is asked to put on 3D glasses and point to which of the two cards—one with a raised E, the other without—has a raised E. The muscles have to work together properly in order to see the E; the child must pass this four out of six times to ensure they are not guessing.

 

Through our new Vision Tracker call center, we are able to determine whether the guardians who don't call for help are getting the children to the eye doctor and, if not, why and how we can help overcome any potential barriers to care.

If you are interested in becoming a certified children's vision screener, you can email ajefferson@pbeye.org or call 317-815-9943 ext. 230. Trainings last 90 minutes.

 

KIDS TRAINING MANUAL

If you have been certified within the past three years but would like a refresher, you can download our PDF.