Healthy vision is critical for children’s success in school, but more than 25% of the school-age population in Arizona may have an undetected or untreated vision problem that can interfere with their ability to learn.
Vision screening is a critical first step in supporting children’s vision health. Children who are identified as having a problem can be referred to an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam and follow-up treatment, such as eyeglasses, if needed.
While some schools have offered vision screenings in the past, a new state law now requires all Arizona public and charter schools to conduct vision screenings for children at school entry (pre-K or kindergarten), in third grade and again in seventh grade. Approximately 500,000 students will be screened this school year for visual acuity (near vision and far vision), color deficiency and depth perception.
Eyes On Learning, a public-private coalition of partners dedicated to improving the vision health of Arizona’s children, developed recommendations that contributed to the passage of the legislation in 2019 and has been instrumental in bringing philanthropic investments and federal funding for its successful implementation, which was delayed due to the pandemic.
More than 800 kits containing all the tools and equipment required for effective vision screening have been distributed to Arizona schools for free.
Eyes On Learning also collaborated with the Arizona Department of Health Services to improve the certification process for vision screeners. Vision screenings are typically conducted by a school nurse, but any school representative, community partner or volunteer can now be certified via a new online training, also at no cost to schools. More than 500 school nurses have been certified in the last year.
To align with the first year of implementation of the new vision screening law, the coalition also launched a new pilot program that promises to further streamline the vision screening process in Arizona and increase access to follow-up vision care.
EyeSpy 20/20 is a web-based vision screening program that uses game design elements to conduct accurate, validated vision screenings for a fraction of the cost of a traditional eye screening.
Kids sit in front of a screen for a few minutes and play a matching game. The results are valid, and schools are able to share this information with families and eye doctors if a child needs follow-up vision care. Developed by VisionQuest 20/20, an Arizona-based nonprofit, EyeSpy 20/20 can be utilized on virtually any device, including smartphones, tablets or computers.
With grant funding from local philanthropic foundations, the pilot program will implement EyeSpy 20/20 in approximately 200 schools across Arizona over the next two years, with the long-term goal to offer it to all schools in Arizona at no cost.
The successful rollout of the vision screening law is a big win for our students, our schools and our state. Thanks to the support of our philanthropic partners, schools now have the training and tools they need, and hundreds of thousands of kids are being screened to support their best vision health and learning success.
While the law requires public and charter schools to provide vision screenings on a regular basis, it is important for parents and caregivers to connect with their child’s pediatrician or primary care provider to include vision screening as part of their regular medical check-ups. Vision problems in children are easier to correct when treatment starts early, and uncorrected vision problems can impact their learning, social development and overall well-being.
Editor’s note: Karen Woodhouse leads the work of Eyes On Learning, a coalition of state, local and national organizations dedicated to making sure that Arizona children with vision problems are identified early and receive eye exams and follow-up treatment. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
