Children's Vision Screening
Early detection to help protect and preserve the gift of sight for a lifetime
The Wisconsin Lions Foundation, in partnership with Prevent Blindness Wisconsin combined forces to help the fight against blindness and to ensure that every child from six months to eighteen years old sees properly. Through the efforts of local Lions and Lioness Clubs, screenings are taking place in their local day care and preschool facilities. Club members receive training for certification and recertification for vision screening. Prevent Blindness Wisconsin reported in 2009 Lions/Lioness screened a total of 7,810 children with 433 referred. Vision problems affect one in every five school-age children and one in every twenty preschool-age children.
Why screening is important?
85% of a child's learning is related to sight. When vision problems begin in early childhood, a child does not know he/she has a problem because the brain compensates for the poor vision. Therefore, the child with a vision problem won't complain, and he/she may not have symptoms that the parents would notice.
Some vision problems must be identified before the child reaches the age of five to ensure successful treatment. This is true of Amblyopia (lazy eye), which left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss.
Vision problems can be detected through a simple vision screening that takes less than five minutes. If a problem is found, a professional eye examination is recommended.
Types of Vision Screening
Standard Vision Screening:
The Lea Symbol Chart is made up of common shapes, and is designed to be used with children who are at least three years old. This test determines the measurement of distance visual acuity.
Random Dot E (Stereopsis) Test:
Stereopsis is the visual perception of three-dimensional space resulting from the blending of the images from each eye. This test determines if the eyes are working together. It includes a three-dimensional picture of the letter E and polarized glasses.