Orthoptics – Vision screening in schools

General introduction

We provide a vision screening programme for reception children (age four to five years) in Warrington (children in the Halton area are screened by a different service).  

It is important that every child has a vision assessment as vision only develops until the age of seven to eight; this is known as the critical period. After this period it may not be possible to improve a child’s vision and they may be left with permanently reduced vision in one or both eyes. This may have life-long implications such as ability to drive or affect their career choice.

Early identification of reduced vision or binocular vision defects (where the eyes struggle to work together as a team) allows treatment to be effective whilst a child’s visual system is developing during the critical period.

What happens during the screening assessment?

During the assessment we will test the child’s vision in each eye, and look out for any obvious eye problems such as squints or drooping lids. The assessment is designed to be fun and do not rely on children recognising letters. On the day of test the orthoptic assistant will leave a letter informing parents / carers whether the child has passed the screening tests. All results will be recorded on child health records.

If a child does not meet the pass criteria they will be referred to an appropriate specialist (orthoptist, optometrist or ophthalmologist) and an appointment letter will be sent through the post.