Screening and Exams

What is a Vision Screening?

Vision screening is an efficient and cost-effective method to identify children with visual problems or eye conditions that are likely to lead to vision loss so that a referral can be made to an appropriate eye care professional for further evaluation and treatment.

To learn more about this topic, and earn professional development credit, log in to your OCALI ID account and watch the Vision Screenings and Comprehensive Eye Exams: An Introduction webinar!

Where can I get a Vision Screening in Ohio?

The Ohio Department of Health has specific guidelines for completing vision screenings each year for preschool and K-12 students. As part of that requirement school-aged students that do not pass the vision screening will be referred on for an additional exam. For additional information, please visit the Ohio Department Health’s website. If your child does not receive one through their school, vision screenings can be completed through your child’s pediatrician.

Screening Resources

The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus has provided a vision screening recommendations list. Included in the list are tests for children ages newborn through 5-years and older. A printable PDF document is available to download.

What is a Comprehensive Eye Evaluation?

The American Optometric Association states that periodic eye and vision examinations are an important part of preventive health care. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, so you might not know a problem exists. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems can help prevent vision loss.

Each patient's signs and symptoms, along with your optometrist's professional judgment, will determine what tests your optometrist conducts. For more information please visit their website.

Where can I get a Comprehensive Eye Evaluation in Ohio?

Comprehensive eye evaluations can be completed through your local optometrist. The American Optometric Association has a searchable database to help locate an optometrist near you.

Infants can be seen through a local InfantSEE doctor. More information on InfantSEE is provided below.

Comprehensive Eye Evaluation Resources

The American Optometric Association provides a list of recommendations for the frequency of eye exams from birth through age 18.

InfantSEE®, a public health program, managed by Optometry Cares® - the AOA Foundation, is designed to ensure that eye and vision care becomes an essential part of infant wellness care to improve a child's quality of life. Under this program, participating optometrists provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment between 6 and 12 months of age as a no-cost public service. We feel so strongly about the importance of healthy vision that participating member optometrists will provide a no-cost comprehensive infant eye and vision assessment within the first year of life. Visit their website to find an optometrist in your area.