One of the major responsibilities of the school nurse is to perform a vision screening on each student so that the students with visual impairments are identified. “Vision problems affect one in twenty preschoolers and one in four school-age children.” (Prevent Blindness America, 2000) Since vision problems affect the educational development of children, early detection is extremely important to assure that every child has the opportunity to receive the best possible education.
If your child passes their yearly school vision screening, you will not receive notification. Only students that fail a screening will receive a referral in the mail. Please remember that school vision tests are only screenings and cannot replace a more thorough eye exam done by an eye doctor.
If you have any concerns about your child’s vision, please contact your school nurse to complete your child’s screening. Then follow up with your child’s pediatrician or eye doctor. A parent can be a child’s greatest advocate.