If you had a vision problem, what would the world look like to you as a six-month to three-year-old? What kind of difference could early intervention and diagnosis make in your education?
According to the American Optometric Association, from birth, babies begin exploring the wonders in the world with their eyes. Even before they learn to reach and grab with their hands or crawl and sit up, their eyes are providing information and stimulation important for their development. Eye and vision problems in infants can cause developmental delays.
Crockett Early Head Start infants and toddlers are getting a head start with vision screening. CEHS purchased a Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener in 2017.
The Spot Vision Screener is a handheld, portable device designed to help users quickly and accurately detect possible vision issues for children six months to three years of age and up.
EHS provides a clinic day and a follow-up day to screen all children in the program. If the results of the screening shows a need for a child to have a complete eye exam, a referral is made to an ophthalmologist.
EHS nurses guide the families through the process of working with the ophthalmologist as needed and staff work together to support families and ensure their success. Master Family Advocates assist families with insurance questions, teachers encourage the students to wear their glasses to school, and the nurses help parents schedule appointments. Together, EHS staff help students have tools necessary to succeed.
