Vision and hearing screenings underway

Throughout the fall and as required by state law, the Maumee Valley school nurse is administering vision and hearing screenings to all new students as well as those in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.

If you do not want your child screened for one or both senses, you must provide a written notice to Sherrie Watkins at [email protected].

Why is it important to have your child’s vision and hearing screened?
Children with vision or hearing problems do not always know that the way they see and hear the world is not the way that they should be seeing or hearing it. Vision and hearing is important for speech, language development, reading, and learning. Without early detection and treatment, children’s vision and hearing problems can lead to permanent loss and learning difficulties.  Even if your child has passed a screening previously, these results may have changed.

Vision screenings will consist of one or more of the following:

• Distance visual acuity (ability to see objects far away)
• Binocular vision (how well your child’s eyes work together)
• Color vision (ability to see colors)
• Near vision acuity (ability to see objects up close).

Hearing screening will consist of audiometry (screening of hearing acuity).

Both screenings are used as a snapshot of how your child is doing that day. Children will be tested a second time on a different day if they do not meet the state-required criteria. A referral for a comprehensive screening with a specialist will be made if any problems are discovered. If your child wears glasses, please ensure they are bringing them to school daily.