Vision Screening and Mobile Comprehensive Vision Clinic
This packet provides guidance for schools receiving vision screenings and comprehensive vision examinations for those scholars who are referred for eye examinations as a result of their vision screenings.
The Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation provides vision services through education, detection, prevention, and treatment. Through collaborative partnerships we enable greater independence and increased quality of life for Georgians in financial need.
You have received this packet because you contacted Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. (GLLF) to request a Vision Screening and Mobile Vision Clinic Day for your school. The following information is designed to provide you with basic information to explain the difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive vision exam. This will help you decide which service is best for your school’s needs.
Vision Screening
A digital screening device (hand-held auto refractor) is utilized to scan participants’ pupils and give a reading within 30-45 seconds. It is non-invasive and enables us to screen many children quickly and efficiently. Our digital screeners are about the size of a digital camera and accurately detect the potential for these common conditions found in children:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism (blurred vision)
- Anisometropia (unequal refractive power)
- Strabismus (eye misalignment)
- Anisocoria (unequal pupil size)
- Gaze
A vision screening requires a small room with adjustable lighting, typically a classroom. We recommend starting between 8:30-9:00 a.m., concluding around noon. With good planning between your school and Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc., we can screen 300-400 students in four hours. While we provide volunteers for the screenings, we ask that at least one staff member be available to escort students to and from the screening room and monitor them as they wait.
Comprehensive Mobile Vision Exam (Clinic)
A vision screening does not replace an eye exam. Screenings identify who needs a comprehensive eye exam. If a child’s screening results indicate an exam is recommended, Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. will provide an exam by a licensed optometrist starting between 9:30-10:00 a.m. the same day. Examinations begin as soon as the first students are referred.
A comprehensive vision test includes visual acuity evaluation and an assessment of the child’s visual function and eye health. The optometrist determines the lens power needed for any refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, etc.) and provides a prescription if necessary. Dilation may be required for the exam.
After the prescription is written, the child can choose frames from a limited selection. GLLF technicians will take measurements for the glasses. If all referred children cannot be examined, follow-up clinic visit(s) will be scheduled to ensure all referred students receive eye exam.
What to Expect
A hand-held auto refractor scans your child’s pupils in 30-45 seconds. This non-invasive device allows for quick and efficient screening, identifying if your child’s vision is normal or requires further examination. If necessary, a licensed Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) will perform a comprehensive eye exam. Please complete the attached paperwork for your child’s screening and potential optometrist visit. Below is what you can expect during the eye doctor’s appointment.
Pass
A “pass” result from a vision screening indicates the scholar’s vision is within the acceptable range for their age. No further action is needed, and the scholar may return to class.
Refer
A “refer” result from a vision screening indicates vision outside the acceptable range for the scholar’s age, possibly due to nearsightedness, farsightedness, or other correctable issues. These scholars should see an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam, which we can provide on-site with proper consent.
Patient History
Please complete the patient history form, detailing any current eye or vision problems your child has, their overall health, and any previous eye or health conditions experienced by your family members.
Visual Acuity
Visual acuity measurements evaluate how clearly your child sees in each eye. Reading charts are often used to measure visual acuity. As part of the testing, your child will read letters or identify items on charts at a distance and up close.
Preliminary Tests
The optometrist may first want to look at specific aspects of your child’s visual function and eye health. Preliminary tests can include evaluations of depth perception, color vision, eye muscle movements, peripheral or side vision, and the way the pupils respond to light.
Refraction
Refraction determines the lens power needed to correct refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism). If necessary, a written prescription will be provided, and GLLF will produce the glasses for your child.
Eye Health Evaluation
The optometrist may check eye health through dilation, which involves drops to enlarge the pupil and examine the optic nerve and retina. Dilation lasts 2-3 hours and can make reading difficult. These tests help confirm or rule out issues, clarify findings, or provide a more in-depth assessment. Not all students will need dilation.
Why Are Eye Examinations Important?
Eye examinations are essential for health maintenance, especially for children, to ensure normal vision development and the visual skills needed for school and activities. Children may not realize they have vision problems, as they don’t know what “normal” vision looks like. Since vision is closely tied to learning, undetected issues can affect schoolwork. This examination is for the purpose of determining a glasses prescription (Rx) only and does not replace a regular yearly eye examination.
Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. is Here to Help
The mission of Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation is to provide vision services through education, detection, prevention, and treatment. Through collaborative partnerships, we enable greater independence and increased quality of life for Georgians in financial need.
NOTE: If your child has a current eyeglasses prescription that is less than 1 year old, we can assist with providing glasses for your child. Please send a copy of the prescription signed by the provider with the child on the day of the screening. No examination will be required to fill the prescription.
HIPAA Policy
I understand that the Federal Privacy Rule (HIPAA) protects the privacy of my disclosed information and request that it be kept strictly confidential and not further released. I understand my eligibility for Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation services is not dependent on this authorization. This authorization is valid for one year and meets all HIPAA requirements. Signing the Vision Screening/Clinic Parental Consent Form affirms my understanding of the HIPAA policy.
Important! Read Carefully | How to Opt-Out of Vision Screening
Some schools and/or districts may choose to observe an opt-out policy for screenings.
If your student’s school is observing an opt-out policy, all scholars in the designated grades will be screened. Scholars whose screening indicates that they “failed” their screening (referred for examination) will be provided with an eye examination on-site at the school. If you do not wish to have your child’s vision screened, you MUST SELECT ‘NO’ to OPT-OUT on the Vision Screening Opt-Out Form. If you select NO (opt-out), please sign the form and have your child return it to school.
For schools and/or districts that are observing an opt-in policy, no scholar will be screened unless they have a consent form indicating YES they CAN BE SCREENED by their parent or guardian.
Depending on the student, some may need to have their eyes dilated during examination. This allows the optometrist to obtain the optimal prescription measurement. The dilation typically only affects near vision and will wear off within a few hours. DILATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR SCREENING.
There will be a no-cost vision screening and mobile clinic at your child’s school, provided by the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. (GLLF) clinic team, Georgia Lions Clubs volunteers, and a licensed optometrist. The screening will determine if your child needs an eye exam and glasses. The screening is non-invasive with no physical contact. DILATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR SCREENING but may be necessary during the eye examination for some children. Not all children will need an exam or dilation.
To opt out of dilation, please use the Opt-Out Form.
IMPORTANT
If your child has photo sensitive epilepsy, they will not be screened!
Students needing an eye exam but unable to be screened due to photosensitive epilepsy can apply online at lionslighthouse.org/services. Once approved, our intake specialist will schedule an appointment at our Chamblee Clinic. Approved students will receive a comprehensive eye exam and, if needed, their first pair of glasses (within 12 months) at no cost.
Vision insurance is not accepted at the Chamblee Clinic.
PLEASE NOTE: All students in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 8th (if applicable) WILL HAVE THEIR VISION SCREENED UNLESS YOU SELECT “NO” ABOVE. Students are STILL ELIGIBLE FOR VISION SCREENING IF YOU OPT OUT OF DILATION, WHICH IS NOT REQUIRED FOR SCREENING. However, if the child fails the screening (referred for eye examination) and the doctor cannot get an accurate prescription without dilation, no prescription will be given. Instead, the child will receive a voucher and be referred to a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist.
