Scoring Rubric©

The Scoring Rubric© assists in summarizing the vision screening results and determining recommended next steps based on concern codes by section - risk factor (RF), non-urgent (NU), urgent (U), or very urgent (VU). The rubric provides specific recommended actions to take next, ensuring a structured and effective follow-up process.

In every instance, it's important for the family to inform their primary care professional about the vision screening results to ensure optimal care for their child and to secure a medical referral if necessary.

Family Vision History Recommendations

If no concerns are present:
Recommend annual re-screening.
Referral: N/A
If Risk Factor (RF) Concerns:
No follow-up is necessary if no other concerns (NU, U, VU) are identified. Let family know child is at higher risk for low vision. Recommend annual re-screening.
Referral: Contact a pediatric eye doctor if concerns arise.

Child's Medical History Recommendations

If no concerns are present:
Recommend annual re-screening.
Referral: N/A
If Risk Factor (RF) Concerns:
No follow-up is necessary if no other concerns (NU, U, VU) are identified. Let family know child is at higher risk for low vision. Recommend annual re-screening.
Referral: Contact a pediatric eye doctor if concerns arise.
If Non-Urgent (NU) Concerns:
Recommend follow up within 4 to 5 weeks, if possible.
Referral: 
  • Pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist.
  • If the child is in early intervention, discuss adding vision services.

Objective Vision Testing Recommendations

If no concerns are present:
Recommend annual re-screening.
Referral: N/A
If Non-Urgent (NU) Concerns:
Recommend follow up within 4 to 5 weeks, if possible.
Referral: 
  • Pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist.
  • If the child is in early intervention, discuss adding vision services.
If unable to test:
If the child is unable to participate, document this and recommend rescreening during a subsequent follow-up meeting, such as the initial Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting or the first visit with a provider.

Appearance of Eyes and Eyelids Recommendations

If no concerns are present:
Recommend annual re-screening.
Referral: N/A
If Non-Urgent (NU) Concerns:
Recommend follow up within 4 to 5 weeks, if possible.
Referral: 
  • Pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist.
  • If the child is in early intervention, discuss adding vision services.
If Urgent (U) Concerns:
Recommend follow up within 1 to 2 weeks.
Referral: 
  • Pediatric ophthalmologist.
  • If the child is in early intervention, discuss adding vision services.
If Very Urgent (VU) Concerns:
Recommend follow up within 24 to 48 hours.
Referral: 
  • Pediatric ophthalmologist.
  • If the child is in early intervention, discuss adding vision services.

Visual Behaviors Recommendations

If no concerns are present:
Recommend annual re-screening.
Referral: N/A
If Non-Urgent (NU) Concerns:
("Yes" in questions #1-5, or two or more "Yes's" across all questions.)
Recommend follow up within 4 to 5 weeks, if possible.
Referral: 
  • Pediatric ophthalmologist.
  • If the child is in early intervention, discuss adding vision services.

Caregiver Concerns Recommendations

If no concerns are present:
Recommend annual re-screening.
Referral: N/A
If Non-Urgent (NU) Concerns:
Recommend follow up within 4 to 5 weeks, if possible.
Referral: 
  • Pediatric ophthalmologist, optometrist, or primary care professional.
  • If the child is in early intervention, discuss adding vision services.
Note: If caregiver has discussed their concerns with their doctor and is still unsatisfied, suggest caregiver discuss their concerns with an EI-TVI, either through their EIB or refer them directly to [email protected] for more information.

Determine Most Significant Concerns

In summarizing the vision screening concerns, prioritize the most significant across all the Scoring Guidance© sections. If a very urgent concern is identified, it should be highlighted as the primary concern, followed by urgent, non-urgent, and risk factor concerns, respectively.

Determine Pediatric Eye Doctor for Follow-Up

If an ophthalmologist is advised, strongly suggest that the family seeks vision care from an ophthalmologist, if feasible. If the recommendation includes either an ophthalmologist or optometrist, the family should consider factors such as convenience, personal preference, and location in making their choice. Similarly, if follow-up with any of an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or primary care professional is recommended, the choice should be guided by the family's specific circumstances and preferences.

Consider if the child is already seeing a pediatric eye doctor and consider regional differences regarding the availability of doctors and their preferences for follow-up with an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or primary care professional. This tailored approach helps in making informed decisions based on specific regional healthcare services and individual needs.

A Shared Vision: Partners in Pediatric Blindness & Visual Impairment

EIN 81-4227664