Vision screening for kindergarteners and first graders is like taking a quiz. Symbols or letters are shown to the child, and the child is asked to identify them or show which way they point.
For prekindergarteners, we use a machine that uses light to measure the child's eyes. This type of screening is very quick and does not require the child to pay attention for long. We do not touch the child's eyes during either kind of screening.
Young children do not know when they have vision problems. They think that what they see is what everyone else sees.
Parents can sometimes see clues of possible vision problems. For example, does your child
If parents notice any of these signs, the best thing to do is to take their child to an eye doctor.
Children who wear eyeglasses should see their doctors at least once a year. Parents must encourage their children to wear their glasses. A child's vision can be improved greatly if the child wears glasses as directed by the eye doctor.
For more information about the Vision Program and vision problems in children, call 311 .
For a listing of health care facilities where vision screening is done, see the Resource List (PDF).