Where to Find Vision Services

Where to Find Vision Screening

young African American boy having his eyes examined by a female optician

HEALTHCARE

Your child should receive vision screening during the routine well-child visit at a primary healthcare provider’s office. If your child is complaining about his/her eyes or if you think he/she might have a vision problem, ask your doctor to conduct a vision screening at your next visit. Vision screenings in healthcare offices are usually provided by a medical assistant or nurse.

sharp image of eyeglasses on a desk in a classroom with a blurred background of the rest of the class, demonstrating myopic vision

SCHOOL

Many children receive vision screening at school, especially between kindergarten and third grade. All Arizona public schools are now required to provide vision screening to enrolled children. Ask if your child’s school provides vision screening to be sure. Vision screenings in schools are usually administered by a school nurse, health assistant or trained volunteer.

young boy wearing glasses and his backpack which has a ukelele sticking out of it

HEAD START, PRESCHOOL, CHILD CARE, AND HOME VISITATION PROGRAMS

Vision screenings may also be provided at your child’s preschool or child care program. Ask if your child’s program provides vision screening to be sure. If your child is enrolled in Head Start programs, he/she must receive a vision screening, either by a healthcare provider or by the Head Start program staff. Many home visitation programs also provide vision screening if one is not administered by the child’s healthcare provider. Vision screenings in these programs may be provided by trained program staff, outside healthcare professionals or trained volunteers.

community volunteer holding a young hispanic girl, both smiling

COMMUNITY SETTINGS

Vision screenings are often provided at local libraries, health fairs or other community events. Check your local newspaper or check online for information. Visit Lions Club in Arizona or Eye Care 4 Kids Arizona for further information on community vision screening.

Vision screenings in community settings may be conducted by trained program staff, outside healthcare professionals or trained volunteers.

Who Performs Eye Exams

Complete eye exams are performed by professional eye doctors — either optometrists or ophthalmologists. Both have been trained to examine your child’s eyes and determine if there is a vision problem affecting his/her growth and ability to learn. It is best to have an eye doctor specifically trained to work with children (a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist), but many eye doctors will accept patients of all ages.

Treatments

If your child’s eye doctor finds a vision problem, he/she may recommend and provide treatment options to improve your child’s vision health. Treatment can include glasses, eye patches, eye drops, or occasionally surgery. Children with vision loss may need other services.

Some optometrists may also prescribe vision therapy. Work with your eye doctor to find the best option for your child.