Fort Wayne Community Schools Health Screenings

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". FWCS complies with state vision screening guidelines by screening all children in grades 1,3,5,and 8. Additionally children in pre-K and kindergarten may be screed, along with any students where a visual deficit is suspected.

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.