The main purpose of a school vision test is to screen for vision impairments. Vision impairments can directly affect the student's learning, or physical, emotional and social development. Detection of vision problems at an early age provides the student with a greater chance for successful academic and social development.
The objective of the vision testing is to identify the students having vision problems. The parents or guardians are notified so they can make an appointment with an eye care specialist. Follow-up procedures are put into motion within the school system to make sure the student is receiving proper care. Teachers are also informed so appropriate seating arrangements can be made to optimize student learning.
New students are screened with a vision test some time within the first six months they are enrolled in school. Vision testing is completed a second time within a school year for students who have been referred and not seen by an eye specialist; students with questionable test results from the first vision screening; students showing new behavioral or emotional problems; students who will be evaluated for an Individual Education Plan (IEP); and students who display problems reading.
A student's vision screening incorporates any prior vision impairment history, teacher observation, observation of the eye and a student's behavior during screening, visual acuity and color perception. Results are recorded on the student's permanent school record, and given to the parents or guardians. Any follow-up procedures are noted.
The vision testing area is a room where the students cannot be distracted easily. It is the appropriate size to accommodate the distance required between the student and the eye chart. A waiting area is provided for students waiting to be screened.
Extra time is given to students who have short attention spans, have trouble with language comprehension, have partially developed eye-hand coordination and are fearful of new experiences.
Either a 10- or 20-foot Snellen eye chart or similar chart is used. It is placed on a light-colored wall for easy distinction between symbols on the chart. The child faces the chart while the nurse sits close to the eye chart. Recording is done by the nurse while the child is taking the vision screening test.