A Shared Vision's vision screening protocol is designed to answer one simple question, “Is there a vision concern that requires further examination by a pediatric eye doctor?” The protocol includes a parent questionnaire, objective testing (e.g., fixation, tracking, pupillary reflex, corneal light reflection), and discussion with a child's caregivers regarding possible concerns. The goal is to identify children who may require further evaluation. Professionals using the protocol are looking for identifiers of both ocular and neurological indications of vision concerns. The protocol is not intended to diagnose medical conditions. And it is not a comprehensive assessment or a guide for educational programming.
History
In early 2020, A Shared Vision and Dr. Tanni Anthony, Colorado Department of Education, developed a protocol to conduct vision screenings of very young children during the pandemic via telehealth. The protocol leveraged research and materials from other experts in the field. (See Note 1 below.)
The 2020 protocol asked caregivers a series of questions that could indicate possible ocular and/or brain-based concerns and as a result warrant follow up with a pediatric eye doctor. Feedback from over 300 professionals who used the protocol during the pandemic was very positive. They felt it was simple to understand and administer, and effective towards the intended goal. In 2022 we updated the protocol with input from our user community as we returned to in-person vision screenings. We clarified and quantified questions, added age groupings, and eliminated some redundant questions in the Parent Questionnaire. We also added objective testing of a child's eyes, including fixation, tracking, pupillary reflex, and corneal light reflection leveraging the Kansas Vision Screening Requirements & Guidelines. (See Note 2 below.) Feedback continues to be very positive, as professionals use the protocol for both in person and telehealth vision screenings. Also in 2022, Early Intervention Colorado, a department of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, contracted A Shared Vision to provide training for their evaluation professionals as they assumed responsibility for Child Find of children birth to age three. Now, with expert insights from pediatric eye doctors and additional input from our user community, we will further improve the protocol in 2024. This is critical as we continue our efforts to level a playing field where we under identify children with visual impairments in Colorado compared to our sister states. Current Uses
Over 1,100 professionals in Colorado, plus 13 other states, have been trained to use A Shared Vision’s protocol for vision screening of children birth to age three.
The protocol is primarily used in Colorado to support Child Find and early intervention IFSP reviews. Child Find is the state’s process to identify children with developmental delays and/or disabilities that require special education and related services so they may make progress towards preschool. During Early intervention IFSP (“Individualized Family Services Plan”) reviews the vision screening protocol is used to help identify children who are receiving other services (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology support, etc.) that may also have an unidentified visual impairment. In the future, we may be able to leverage the protocol to support vision screening during well-child visits with primary care professionals. |
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Note 2:
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