Components of a Comprehensive Vision Screening System

Recommendation Summary

  • All children aged 36 to <72 months should be screened annually (best practice) or at least once (acceptable minimum standard) during the interval between their third and sixth birthdays.
  • Vision screening requires training and certification of screening personnel with recertification of personnel planned every 3-5 years.
  • Vision screening programs must plan for acquisition of sufficient and appropriate space, obtaining and maintaining equipment and supplies.
  • Screening results must be recorded and communicated to the child’s parents, and as appropriate to the medical home/primary care provider, the school, and necessary state agency, with subsequent referral to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for examination and care when indicated.
  • Specific data systems must be established to facilitate this process and programs should monitor overall system performance at the population level to ensure that screening goals are being met.