Screenings and Exams
What is a screening?
A screening...
... identifies those at high risk
for developing vision problems
... may detect vision disorders in an
early, treatable stage
... provides the public with vision
information
... may result in a referral to an eye
care professional
... is typically performed by a school nurse or other medical
personnel- A screening DOES NOT
... take the place of an eye examination
... detect all eye problems or diseases
... result in a prescription or treatment
What is an eye exam?
- An eye exam...
... detects specific eye disorders and diseases
... may result in prescribed treatment
... is performed by an Optometrist (O.D.) or Ophthalmologist
(M.D. or D.O.)
When should my child have an eye exam?
A professional eye examination for every child, including those who do not show any signs of eye trouble, is recommended shortly after birth, at six months of age, before entering school (age three or four), and periodically throughout the school years. Eye exams are extremely important since some eye problems have no signs or symptoms. As a child continues to grow, the eyes continue to change and there are more visual demands which may bring out some potential problems.