Prevent Blindness North Carolina has compiled vision resources to assist in meeting the requirements of The North Carolina Early Childhood Vision Care Program. You can access information and website links regarding:
In 2006, Governor Easley signed into law the North Carolina Early Childhood Vision Care Program (ECVCP) requiring all children entering kindergarten receive a vision screening. Kindergarten vision screenings must be conducted in accordance with standards adopted by the Commission on Early Childhood Vision Care. Children who fail a vision screening must receive a comprehensive eye examination. Funds are available for eligible children to receive a comprehensive eye examination and prescribed glasses.
Visit www.ncpublichealth.com/visioncare for more information about ECVCP screening and available financial assistance.
To satisfy the requirements of the Early Childhood Vision Care Program, Kindergarten vision screenings must in all cases include an assessment of the following components:
- Signs and symptoms of eye disease
- Distance visual acuity for each eye
- Stereopsis
Failure of any of the three components requires referral.
Early Childhood Vision Care Program Recommended Screening Guidelines
Vision screening is a required element of the North Carolina Kindergarten Health Assessment. A Kindergarten Health Assessment form completed by the pediatrician or primary care physician is mandated for all children entering kindergarten in North Carolina and is acceptable proof of vision screening. These screenings are not the responsibility of school nurses or other school staff or volunteers.
Visit www.nchealthyschools.org/docs/home/kha0809.pdf to access the revised 2008-09 Kindergarten Health Assessment form.
Funds are available for eligible children referred for suspected vision problems.
The ECVC Program provides funding to cover vision examinations and glasses for children entering Kindergarten through grade 3. Children must be uninsured, not eligible for the VSP program, and their family income must be at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. One pair of replacement glasses is available to children who have lost or broken glasses.
The VSP Sight for Students Program provides free vision exams and glasses to uninsured school children who have a social security number and a family income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
VSP/ECVC Application
This self-directed PowerPoint module designed for healthcare professionals who will conduct kindergarten vision screenings in the office setting. Step-by-step instructions provide training for efficient and effective kindergarten vision screenings in accordance with ECVC Standards and PBNC vision screening recommendations. This module is beneficial as a supplemental training offered by the medical practitioner, orientation for new staff, or a refresher for the experienced staff member. Approximate length: 30 minutes.
Stereopsis Screening Using the Lang- Stereotest II provides a brief overview on stereopsis testing including definitions, recommended tests, Lang-Stereotest II instructions, and referral criteria.
Distance Acuity Charts: PBNC and ECVCP recommended distance vision charts include:
- LEA Symbol chart
- HOTV chart
To order the LEA Symbol or HOTV chart contact PBNC at ahelfrich@pbnc.org or 800.543.7839.
Stereopsis Tests: ECVCP recommends three tests including the Titmus Butterfly, Titmus Fly and the Lang-Stereotest II. The Lang-Stereotest II is recommended by Prevent Blindness North Carolina because it does not require stereo glasses, is simple to administer, and affordable.
To order the Lang-Stereotest II contact Fresnel Prism & Lens Co. at 800-544-4760 or www.fresnelprism.com.
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