Children’s Vision Screening Program
FACTS about Children’s Vision
Did you know?
80% of a child’s learning is processed through their eyes.
Along with allergies and asthma, eye disorders are the most common long-term health problems suffered by children.
In fact, 1 in 5 children have an undetected vision condition. It is important to pick up any problems as soon as possible to reduce the impact on their development.
Most children will accept vision problems and adapt to their poor vision. They rarely complain as they believe everyone sees the world just like they do and don’t know that they could be seeing things clearer.
All children should have a full eye examination before starting school and then regularly as they progress through primary and secondary years of their education.
We believe that LEHP’s national Children’s Vision Screening Program is the most comprehensive screening program available in the country.
Our free Vision screening can be performed for children from 3 years old in childcare centres, schools, sporting clubs or community groups.
What Screenings are performed
Spot Vision Screener
To detect any vision issues associated with:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism (blurred vision)
- Anisometropia (unequal refractive power)
- Binocular Vision (eye misalignment)
- Anisocoria (unequal pupil size)
The Spot Vision Screener is a state of the art piece of equipment that takes a photo of the child’s eyes. It screens for Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Anisometropia, Strabismus and Anisocoria. A technical report is produced, that can be downloaded from the device.
Example of Results from Camera
Visual Acuity
Purpose: To determine how sharp vision is a longer distances.
Visual Acuity is tested using a Lea Symbol Chart. From a 3m distance, the child is asked to the read symbols on a chart. They are asked to perform the task with both eyes together and then separately with their left and right eyes. This helps to determine how sharp vision is at longer distances.
Colour Vision Perception
Purpose: To determine if the child perceives colour as most people do.
Colour Vision is checked by asking children to identify the numbers on different coloured backgrounds, which determines whether colours are being perceived normally.
Stereo Depth Perception
Purpose: To assess the binocular function of the eyes at near tasks.
Depth Perception is observed using an image of a fly and animals in boxes. Wearing 3D glasses, the child is asked if they can see the fly jumping out at them and which animal is trying to escape from their box. This shows if a child can determine distances between objects and see the world in 3D.
Children’s Screening Results
Results
Personalised letters are written and addressed to the relevant parent/guardian. In this letter the results of the screenings are identified, highlighting any areas of concern that should be referred on to an Optometrist for further examination if required.
Who Conducts the Screenings
Screeners are Lions or community volunteers who have completed training approved by Centre for Eye Health.
Total Children Screened
Children Referred onto an Optometrist
Is there a Lions Screening Team near you?
The current location of Screening Volunteers can be seen here.