Vision and Hearing Screenings


Vision Screening or Comprehensive Eye Exam: Know the Difference

  • Vision Screening: A short examination that can indicate the presence of a potential vision problem. It cannot diagnose exactly what is wrong with a child’s eyes.
  • Comprehensive Eye Examination: Generally lasts 30 to 60 minutes and is performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Doctors review medical and visual history; conduct additional testing; diagnose a vision problem; provide treatment; and refer patient to another doctor or specialist, if needed.

Children are referred for a comprehensive eye exam when they do not pass vision screening. Those who pass may also be referred if they are at a high risk of having a vision disorder because of a medical or developmental reason.


Common Vision Impairments and Potential Educational Impact

ImpairmentDefinition
Amblyopia or lazy eyeAbnormal development of connection between the brain and eyes
AstigmatismIrregular shape of the cornea or lens
Hyperopia or farsightednessNearby objects are blurry, far objects are in focus
Myopia or nearsightednessFar objects are blurry, nearby objects are in focus
Strabismus or wandering eyeEye misalignment, oriented in different directions

Signs/Symptoms of Vision Impairments: Double vision, Blurred vision, Glare or halo, around light, Headaches, Dizziness, Nausea, Eye strain (tearing, burning, redness), Squinting or head turning, Closing one eye, Excessive blinking and Fatigue.

Impact of Impairments: Reduced attention span, Difficulty reading or doing close-up work, Difficulty reading or copying from board, Poor motor skills/hand-eye coordination, Impaired depth perception, Learning difficulties, Difficulty working from computer and Negative self-image.


High Risk Groups for Vision Impairments

Both genetic factors, including family history, and environmental factors play a role in the development of vision disorders. The presence of some vision disorders increases the likelihood of developing other vision disorders such as strabismus and amblyopia.

A number of neuro-developmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders, are also associated with higher rates of visual problems.

The most significant preventable risk factor in children is maternal smoking. Children of women who smoked during pregnancy have higher rates of strabismus, hyperopia and astigmatism.


Local Low-Cost Vision Resources

Dr. Mark Preslan (Pediatric Ophthalmologist) 
7671 Quarterfield Road #304 Glen Burnie, MD 21061  
(410) 572-0655  
Accepts State Insurance
For Eyes Optical (6 years +) 
2560 Solomons Island Road Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 573-2020  
Accepts State Insurance
For Eyes Optical (7+) 
6718 Ritchie Highway Glen Burnie, MD 21061  
(410)768-6100  
Accepts Most State Insurance
Tidewater Family Eyecare 
137 Mitchells Chance Road Suite 120 Edgewater, MD 21037  
(410)-956-2200  
Accepts Some State Health Insurance
Vision Works (8+) 
7000 Arundel Mills Circle Hanover, MD 21076  
(410) 799-2770  
Offer Interpreter Services/Accepts Most State Insurance
Walmart – Optical Center (6+ know shapes/letters)  
407 George Clauss Boulevard Severn, MD 21144  
(410) 582-9949  
Accepts Most State Insurance

All Children See - For Citizens, Uninsured or unable to pay that have an eye concern.


Medical Assistance Program Enrollment and Resources:

Medical Assistance for Families (MCHP)

Health Care Enrollment Assistance

Administrative Care Coordination (ACC)

410-222-4791

410-222-7381

410-222-7541


School Vision and Hearing Screening Calendar

Anne Arundel County Department of Health vision and hearing technicians and school nurses conduct mandated vision and hearing screenings in public schools each year. The screenings are for children in preschool, kindergarten, first and eighth grade, and for students new to Anne Arundel County schools. Special education students receiving speech therapy may also be recommended for screening. Department vision and hearing technicians also administer vision and hearing screenings to MSDE approved private/nonpublic schools and special education programs to ensure that the appropriate children are screened.

Children who wear glasses should bring them to school on the day of the screening.

DateSchool

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Lloyd Keaser Head Start

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Lothian Elementary

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Brooklyn Park Elementary

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Freetown Head Start

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Old Mill North Middle

Friday, September 22, 2023

Divine Mercy Academy

Friday, September 22, 2023

Primrose School of Gambrills

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Annapolis Gardens Head Start

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Meade Village Head Start

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Marley Elementary

Friday, September 29, 2023

South County Pre-Kindergarten Co-op

Monday, October 2, 2023

Van Bokkelen Elementary

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

North Glen Elementary

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Overlook Elementary

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Glendale Elementary

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Georgetown East Elementary

Friday, October 6, 2023

Weems Creek Nursery School

Monday, October 9, 2023

Hebron-Harman Elementary

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Hebron-Harman Elementary

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Richard Henry Lee Elementary

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Lake Shore Elementary

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Woodside Elementary

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Annapolis Middle

Friday, October 13, 2023

Chesapeake Science Point Elementary

Friday, October 13, 2023

Edinboro Early School

Monday, October 16, 2023

Annapolis Elementary

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Jones Elementary

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Meade Heights Elementary

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Brock Bridge Elementary

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Phoenix Academy

Friday, October 20, 2023

Severn School (Teel Campus)

Friday, October 20, 2023

The Summit School

Monday, October 23, 2023

Meade Middle

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Maryland City Elementary

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

North County High

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Germantown Elementary

Friday, October 27, 2023

St. Andrew’s United Methodist Day School

Friday, October 27, 2023

St. Anne’s Day School

Children are screened in order to detect vision or hearing problems that may impair a child’s ability to perform successfully in school. If a potential deficiency is detected, a letter is sent to the parents informing them of the results. If a child does not pass the vision screening, the child is referred for a comprehensive eye exam. The parents are advised to contact the child’s doctor for further testing and advice. Those who pass may also be referred for a comprehensive eye exam if they are at a high risk of having a vision disorder because of a medical or developmental reason.

For more information on the School Vision and Hearing Program, call 410-222-6838.