Vision

The American Academy of Ophthalmology, The Eye M.D. Association wrote in 2001: "Good vision is essential for proper physical development and educational progress in growing children. The visual system in the young child is not fully mature. Equal input from both eyes is required for proper development of the visual centers in the brain. If a growing child's eye does not provide a clear focused image to the developing brain, then permanent irreversible loss of vision may result. Early detection provides the best opportunity for effective, inexpensive treatment".

Vision screening programs provide an effective test for school children. The Fort Wayne Community Schools screening programs are carried out by school nurses and/or properly trained lay persons. Testing is done in a way to avoid loss of educational time, while providing accurate results. Care is taken to minimize unnecessary referrals and cost.

School nurses provide, on an individual basis, access to additional resources that provide professional evaluations and eye glasses. Students that participate in Medicaid may qualify for an eye exam and glasses (if indicated) each year.

Dental

According to a study done by National Institute of Health in 2010, 42% of children age 2 to 11 have had dental caries in their primary teeth and, 23% of those cavities go untreated. Decaying teeth can cause pain and other health problems that affect a child's ability to concentrate in school.

Contact your dental health provider for recommendations. Regular dental care check-ups are necessary for good dental health.

School nurses, along with volunteer dentists and dental hygienists from the Neighborhood Health Dental Clinic, facilitate free dental screening and the sealant program in the following elementary and middle schools.

Elementary

FAIRFIELD
SOUTH WAYNE
MAPLEWOOD
FRANKE PARK
ADAMS
HARRISON HILL
LEVON SCOTT
NORTHCREST
FOREST PARK
BLOOMINGDALE
WASHINGTON
STUDY
ABBETT
PRICE
NEBRASKA
LINDLEY
IRWIN
INDIAN VILLAGE

Middle Schools

Miami Middle School
Kekionga Middle School

Hearing

An annual audiometer (hearing) test is mandated in certain grades by Indiana Code. Health Services does not provide this testing. Testing is done by FWCS Speech/Audiology.

Hearing tests are performed at Anthis Career Center by appointment, for children in the FWCS district by our audiologist. Call 260.467.1090 for information.

Hearing screenings are completed on all Special Education students each year as well as all students who are in the first, fourth, seventh and tenth grades. All teachers in FWCS also receive a referral letter asking if they have any other students who should be screened for a hearing loss. Special Education can be reached by calling 260.467.1110.

FluMist®

Through a partnership with Parkview Hospital Community Nursing, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, and the Fort Wayne Community School Nurses, elementary students who attended Title I schools are able to received free FluMist® immunizations. FluMist® can be given in place of an additional flu shot to protect against becoming ill with the flu. FluMist® requires no needles. A weakened flu virus is administered in a fine mist and sprayed up the nose.

To participate in the program, students must be medically eligible. Check with your health provider.

Flu shots and FluMist® are also available to children under the age of eighteen at all Super Shot sites and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health. For listings of those sites and times, as well as for more information about flu and flu prevention, please visit the following webpage: www.fighttheflu.org.

Lead Screening

Lead toxicity in children has life-long consequences. Lead exposure may cause adverse effects on the urinary, gastrointestinal and hematopoetic systems in children. The nervous system may also be damaged, causing learning difficulties.

For information please contact the Fort Wayne/ Allen County Department of Health at (260.449. 8600) or visit the Lead and Healthy Homes Program website.