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Vision Screening Protocol© & Resources

Improve the consistency and quality of vision screening for better outcomes
Backgrounder

Every child deserves a consistent, evidence-informed approach to vision screening, regardless of who conducts the screening or where it occurs.

Vision screening is more than identifying vision concerns. It is a standardized process that guides appropriate follow-up.

Our Philosophy

We want effective vision screening to spread widely. We aren't trying to own the concept of vision screening. Our goal is to help professionals identify vision concerns early and connect children and families with appropriate evaluation and support.

When professionals and organizations choose to use A Shared Vision's Vision Screening Protocol© and materials, we ask that they use them with fidelity, complete the appropriate A Shared Vision training, and obtain permission before adapting or incorporating the materials into other systems. See our Terms of Use Agreement.

Evidence-Informed Vision Screening Protocol©

A Shared Vision's Vision Screening Protocol© is a standardized, evidence-informed screening system that helps medical and non-medical professionals identify children from birth to age three who may need evaluation by a pediatric eye doctor and determine appropriate referral urgency.

Developed in collaboration with pediatric ophthalmologists, optometrists, Teachers of the Visually Impaired, and early intervention professionals, the Protocol integrates multiple sources of information into a standardized decision-making process. This supports consistent interpretation of screening results, appropriate referral recommendations, and earlier identification of ocular and brain-based vision concerns.

Built For Practice

The protocol is supported by a secure, HIPAA-compliant cloud-based platform that simplifies administration, standardizes documentation, and improves communication with caregivers.

Learn about the latest enhancements to the Vision Screening Protocol©.
The updated Vision Screening Protocol© from A Shared Vision is a significant step forward in ensuring that all children under the age of three have equitable access to early identification of vision concerns. It is evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate, and user-friendly for the professionals who serve families in early intervention and home-based care.

As a pediatric ophthalmologist, I see firsthand how critical early identification is – and how often delays in screening lead to missed opportunities for support during the most critical years of a child’s development. This protocol helps close that gap. It should be the new standard for vision screening in early childhood.


— Emily McCourt, MD
Ponzio Family Chair for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Children’s Hospital Colorado

Why Use the Vision Screening Protocol©?

Evidence-informed and expert-reviewed
Standardized screening, scoring, and referral guidance
Used by both medical and non-medical professionals
HIPAA-compliant digital workflow
Family-centered communication tools
Available at no cost to trained professionals

Using the Vision Screening Protocol©

The Vision Screening Protocol© combines four integrated components (below) to help professionals identify vision concerns, determine referral urgency, and communicate appropriate next steps.

Successful completion of the corresponding A Shared Vision training is required before using the Vision Screening Protocol©. Training is available through self-paced online, live webinar, and in-person formats.

Trained professionals have access to Protocol resources as downloadable PDFs and through our secure, HIPAA-compliant CognitoForms platform in English and Spanish. Additional languages and organizational implementation options are available.

The Protocol is available at no cost to trained professionals. Organizations wishing to implement or incorporate the Protocol into their systems should review our Terms of Use Agreement or contact [email protected].
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#1. Parent Questionnaire©

Collects family history, medical history, eye appearance, visual behaviors, and caregiver concerns.
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#2. Objective Vision Testing

Evaluates fixation, tracking, pupillary response, and corneal light reflex.
Picture

#3. Scoring Guidance©

Guides interpretation of screening findings and referral urgency.
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#4. Results & Next Steps Discussion©

Documents results and provides caregivers with clear recommendations and referral guidance.

2022 Vision Screening Protocol© Resources

Professionals who successfully completed the 2022 Vision Screening Protocol© Training may continue to use the corresponding 2022 materials. These resources should be used together as the 2022 version of the Protocol and should not be combined with components of the 2025 Vision Screening Protocol©. Professionals wishing to use the 2025 Protocol should complete the 2025 Vision Screening Protocol© Training.

Professionals beginning vision screening today are encouraged to complete the current training and use the 2025 Protocol materials. 

Quick Links

  • Parent Questionnaire© (Version 2022). Download English or Spanish.
  • Scoring Guidance© (Version 2022). Download English.
  • Vision Screening Results & Recommended Next Steps for Caregivers© (Version 2022). Download English or Spanish.
Use of the Vision Screening Protocol© or its components is limited to professionals who have successfully completed the corresponding A Shared Vision training. Organizations wishing to copy, customize, or incorporate these materials into another form, platform, or workflow must obtain written permission from A Shared Vision.

Uses and Users

The Vision Screening Protocol© can be used in a variety of healthcare, early intervention, and early childhood settings, including:
  • Pediatric primary care and well-child visits
  • Neonatal follow-up and hospital therapy programs
  • Pediatric specialty clinics serving children with developmental disabilities
  • Early Intervention eligibility evaluations (Child Find)
  • IFSP meetings
  • Head Start and Early Head Start
  • Child care and preschool programs serving children birth to age three
  • Home visitation programs
  • Caregivers of children with identified risk factors for vision concerns

Security and Compliance

The HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based platform adheres to both US and international regulatory standards, including HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA, and is compliant with ADA guidelines for online accessibility. Security protocols meet the highest standards, utilizing the latest technologies to ensure protected data remains private, safe, and secure. To explore further, review our Business Associate Addendum and our Data Processing Addendum with CognitoForms.

References

The Vision Screening Protocol© is informed by national guidelines, published research, and expert clinical review.
  • Colorado Department of Education (2005). Visual Screening Guidelines: Children Birth through Five Years.
  • Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas State Department of Education (2018). Kansas Vision Screening Requirements & Guidelines.
  • Teach CVI (2020). Screening List for Children with Suspicions of a Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) / Screen List CVI 1. Available at https://bit.ly/3CoMK4e.
  • Topor, I. (2004). Approximate Functional Visual Acuity for Different Sizes of Objects and Distances. Chapel Hill, NC: Early Intervention Training Center for Infants and Toddlers with Visual Impairments, FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Diagnosis and Care of Children With Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment: Clinical Report
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A Shared Vision: Partners in Pediatric Blindness & Visual Impairment

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  • Home
  • Página principal
  • Refer a Child
    • Refer a Child
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Remitir a un niño
    • Remitir a un niño
    • Preguntas mas frecuentes
  • Stay Informed
    • Latest News
    • Newsletters
    • Annual & Financial Reports
  • Manténgase informado
    • Últimas noticias
    • Boletines
  • Parent Resources
    • Parent Resources Introduction
    • Let's Play!
    • Learning Experiences© >
      • Learning Experiences©
      • Expanded Core Curriculum
    • Sensory Recipes >
      • Sensory Recipes Introduction
      • Sensory Recipes
    • Gift Ideas
    • Digital Resources >
      • Digital Resources Overview
      • Active Learning
      • Building Communication Skills
      • CVI
      • Dual Sensory Loss
      • Early Emergent Literacy
      • Eye Conditions
      • Eye Glasses for Your Child
      • Feeding
      • Meeting with Your Ophthalmologist
      • Orientation & Mobility
      • Patching for Your Child
      • Routines
      • Sleep
      • Strategies
      • Tactile Skills
      • Transition to Preschool
    • Other Great Organizations
  • Recursos para padres
    • Recursos para padres
    • A jugar!
    • Experiencias de aprendizaje© >
      • Experiencias de aprendizaje©
      • Currículo Básico Expandido
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      • Recetas Sensoriales© introducción
      • Recetas sensoriales©
    • Ideas para regalar
    • Recursos digitales >
      • Recursos digitales
      • Afecciones oculares
      • Gafas para su hijo
      • Habilidades alimentarias
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      • Transición al preescolar
  • For Our Families
    • Welcome New Families
    • Top digital resources for new families
    • Inspiring Families
    • Esmeralda's Day
  • Para nuestras familias
    • Bienvenida a las nuevas familias
    • Nuestros recursos favoritos
  • Vision Screening
    • Importance of Vision Screening
    • Protocol & Resources
    • Quickstart Guide
    • Vision Screening Training
    • Directory Pediatric Eye Doctors
    • Links & Documents >
      • Links
      • Email & Text Templates
      • PDF Documents
    • Information For Pediatric Eye Doctors
    • Well-Child Vision Screening
  • Donate Now
    • Donate Now
    • Value of Early Intervention
    • CO Child Care Tax Credit
  • Donar ahora
    • Donar ahora
    • El valor de la intervención precoz
  • Trainings & Education
    • Trainings & Education
  • About Us
    • Our Mission, Goal, Values
    • What We Do
    • Our Team
    • Our Board
    • Our Partners
  • Quiénes somos
    • Nuestra misión, objetivo y valores
    • Qué hacemos
    • Nuestro equipo
  • Contact Us
  • Contáctese con nosotros