Pediatric Eye Screening
Professional Academy Recommendations
The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Association of Certified Orthoptists all recommend early vision screening.
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Procedures for the Evaluation of the Visual System by Pediatricians
- American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus: Vision Screening
Minnesota Department of Health Recommendations
According to Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines, a child's vision should be screened at the following program specific intervals:
Screening is done according to the C&TC Schedule of Age-Related Screening Standards:
- A complete or updated Child and Family Vision History and Risk Assessment Questionnaire (PDF) is required until objective visual acuity screening can be completed at age three years.
- Distance visual acuity screening alone is required at every well child visit for ages 3 & 4 years and with near distance visual acuity (plus lens) at 5 through 10 years, once between 11 and 14, once between 15 and 17, and once between 18 and 20. Acuity screening is in addition to the physical assessment of ocular health performed by the C&TC provider.
Programs serving children in Early Head Start and Head Start programs must either obtain or perform evidence-based screening for vision on all children within 45 days of calendar enrollment. Follow the vision screening schedule for the state's EPSDT program (in Minnesota, this is Child and Teen Clinics) refer to the C&TC Schedule of Age-Related Screening Standards.
Minnesota school districts are required to screen children for visual acuity at least once before kindergarten entry.
It is recommended kindergarten males be screened for color blindness. Children in grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 should be screened for near (plus lens) and distance visual acuity. In addition, a screening should be done when there are parent or teacher concerns and for any new students.
Any child with a diagnosed eye condition should be screened in accordance with the doctor's recommendations. Prior to placement in a special education program, a child's risk factors should be reviewed to determine if there is a need for an exam by an eye specialist. When a shortage of time, space, or personnel does not permit the implementation of the full frequency of screening in a school, emphasis should be placed on the lower grades.
Equipment for Standard Procedures
For more information about vision screening equipment refer to Equipment for Visual Acuity Screening (PDF).
Equipment for Optional Procedure
- Random Dot E Test Kit or Pass 2 Smile Test
For information on care of vision equipment and infection control refer to the Vision Screening Training Manual (PDF)