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
Impairment | Definition |
---|---|
Amblyopia or lazy eye | Abnormal development of connection between the brain and eyes |
Astigmatism | Irregular shape of the cornea or lens |
Hyperopia or farsightedness | Nearby objects are blurry, far objects are in focus |
Myopia or nearsightedness | Far objects are blurry, nearby objects are in focus |
Strabismus or wandering eye | Eye 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
7671 Quarterfield Road #304 Glen Burnie, MD 21061
(410) 572-0655
Accepts State Insurance
2560 Solomons Island Road Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 573-2020
Accepts State Insurance
6718 Ritchie Highway Glen Burnie, MD 21061
(410)768-6100
Accepts Most State Insurance
137 Mitchells Chance Road Suite 120 Edgewater, MD 21037
(410)-956-2200
Accepts Some State Health Insurance
7000 Arundel Mills Circle Hanover, MD 21076
(410) 799-2770
Offer Interpreter Services/Accepts Most State Insurance
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) |
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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.
Date | School |
---|---|
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.