Vision Screening Manual Introduction, Background and Overview

The vision screening manual is available in sections on the left side of this webpage. Click the links to view the various topics or you may download a copy of the Vision Screening Training Manual (PDF). This manual describes all vision screening procedures in detail and is used by screening programs and clinics in Minnesota. References for this document are only available in the downloadable version, not on the webpages.

Introduction

The procedures in this manual were developed based on recommendations put forth by a panel of Minnesota-based vision screening experts who came from a cross-section of screening programs and professional organizations. The Expert Panel on Childhood Vision Screening was convened by the MDH Community and Family Health Division and met four times between April and June, 2015. The expert panel reviewed new national vision screening recommendations from the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and others, revised the vision screening procedures, and developed a guideline document. The expert panel and other contributors are identified in the section titled Minnesota Expert Panel on Childhood Vision Screening near the end of the manual.

The goal of vision screening is to identify children with vision deficits that may affect health, learning and development. With prompt referral and follow-up, Minnesota children have an opportunity to receive appropriate, timely care and services, which lead to better health and educational outcomes.

Background and Overview

Purpose and Rationale

Vision screening is a set of procedures performed by properly trained persons for the purpose of early identification of children who may have vision problems and referral to appropriate medical professionals for further evaluation.

Impaired vision in children can contribute to the development of learning problems which may be prevented or alleviated through early identification and intervention. Children with impaired vision often are not aware of their impairment; therefore, they do not complain or seek help. If they have always seen things in a blurred or distorted way, they accept the imperfect image without question.

The goal of vision screening is to identify children with vision deficits that may affect health, learning and development. With prompt referral and follow-up, Minnesota children have an opportunity to receive appropriate, timely care and services, which lead to better health and educational outcomes.

Minnesota's Vision Screening Programs

This vision screening training manual provides the screener with instructional information to conduct vision screenings in schools or clinics. The screening procedures herein serve as guidelines for Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC), Head Start, Early Childhood Screening, and school programs.

Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC)

Federally titled Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) is a program administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services for children and teens enrolled in Medical Assistance under Minnesota Statute MS 256B.04-256B.0625. The Minnesota Department of Health provides health recommendations to the program. For more information refer to the C&TC section of the Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) Provider Manual.

Head Start

Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive child development programs which serve children from birth to age 5. They are child-focused programs and have the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families. Minnesota Head Start follows Child and Teen Checkup guidelines. For more information refer to Minnesota Head Start.

Early Childhood

Early Childhood Screening or evidence of a comparable screening by a non-school provider (e.g., Head Start, Child and Teen Checkups/EPSDT or a health care provider) is required for entrance in Minnesota's public schools or within 30 days of enrollment into kindergarten (MS 121A.16-121A.17). Early Childhood Screening is offered throughout the year by local school districts. For more information refer to Minnesota Early Childhood Screening