Appendix B: Well-Child Health Care Fact Sheets

Vision Testing

What is vision testing?

Vision testing checks how well a child can see and how well the eyes move together.

How is vision testing done?

Vision testing is done by a health professional or trained staff, parent, or volunteer. It involves:

• Having the child identify letters, shapes or figures on a standard eye chart
• Observing the child's eye movements ("strabismus testing")
• Observing for other eye abnormalities (e.g., redness, swelling, discharge)

What might I observe?

• Eyes that cross or point outward
• Frequent blinking, squinting, or rubbing eyes
• Difficulty picking up small objects, catching balls, or seeing distant objects
• Holding books and objects unusually close
• Short attention for visual activities
• Frequent complaints of eye discomfort, headaches, or dizziness

Vision is important for development, physical activity, and social interactions. Early identification and treatment of vision problems can help promote a child's development.

Follow-up to vision testing:
A child "fails" the vision test if:

• She is unable to identify more than half the symbols on the 20/40 line
• There is more than a two-line difference in vision between one eye and the other, even if the worse eye is 20/40 or better.

The child should be retested. If she fails again, she should be referred to her health care provider for evaluation and treatment. Children with eye infections should be retested after treatment.

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics to treat eye infections
• Eye patch
• Eyeglasses
• Eye muscle surgery
• Special education or early intervention services

      Partnership between Head Start and Vision Service Plan