Bright Eyes Children’s Vision Screening provides screenings for more than 6,000 local children each year. Screenings test for myopia (nearsightedness), and early childhood eye conditions including amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus (a turned eye or crossed eyes).
Undetected vision problems among children often lead to permanent vision loss and learning difficulties. Screening at a young age allows for early detection and treatment that could prevent or slow vision loss.
Information for Parents
What happens at a vision screening?
We can screen for potential visual acuity and muscle imbalance problems using a photo-screening device. This is an automated, handheld device that captures a photo of your child’s eyes from a three-foot distance. It uses lights and sounds to help engage your child, and the screening takes less than 15 seconds.
Reading comprehension is not required at these vision screenings; we can screen children as young as three years old.
In certain instances, further screening may be required. This involves the child identifying letters from a six-foot distance. We use a single-use procluder (an eye cover) to screen one eye at a time. After, our screener faces the child and carefully tracks the motion of the child’s eye (from approximately one foot away) to screen for potential muscle imbalance issues.
The child is sent home with a form indicating whether they passed or need to see a vision professional.
How can I find financial aid for eye care?
Visit our Financial Resources page to find state and national programs that offer assistance for eye care. Also, learn more about our Affordable Eyeglasses Program that helps children and adults obtain new eyeglasses at a nominal cost.
Information for Education Professionals
POB’s Bright Eyes Screening Team has an excellent rapport with children. All members of the Bright Eyes Children’s Vision Screening Team have multiple years of experience with children and/or advanced education in early childhood education. Additionally, the Bright Eyes Children’s Vision Screening Team is experienced in screening children with disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and hearing impairments.
POB provides referrals to those children identified as having a vision problem and then follows up to ensure the children receive necessary medical attention. Each child is given the results of their vision screening to take home with them. A few days later, the parent/guardian of children with an identified vision problem will receive a detailed referral in the mail with their child’s score. This score is entered into a comprehensive database. The Bright Eyes Screening Team will follow up with the family and the school within six weeks if POB has not yet received evaluation results from the referral doctor. If needed, screeners will assist with making a doctor’s appointment.
Request a Screening
The Bright Eyes Children’s Vision Screening program is available to preschools, private and public schools, churches, synagogues, recreation centers, daycare centers, and Head Start programs. To request a screening at your site, please contact:
Claudia Wood
Senior Program Manager
(202) 234-1010, ext. 225
cwood@youreyes.org
