Association for Pediatric Vision launches no-cost vision screening curriculum
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The Association for Pediatric Vision has launched a free vision screening curriculum for individuals who want to become a vision screener, particularly those interested in working with children aged 0 to 5 years.
“Early vision screening can help identify potential problems with sight skills by detecting vision challenges that may hinder development and negatively affect social and emotional well-being,” Melissa Z. Petro, OD, MPH, the association’s program director, said in a press release. “A pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist can perform an eye exam; however, early screening by community professionals such as teachers, nurses and even parents can help with early detection of vision challenges such as amblyopia, strabismus and refractive errors that may cause visual development delays and affect a child’s quality of life.”
According to the release, the association used federal grant funding to develop the curriculum to aid underserved communities and expand vision screening for infants, toddlers and elementary school-aged children.
The five-module training program, which provides vision background knowledge and screening essentials, is free, but there is a $99 fee to become certified. Petro expects more than 50 individuals will be trained this fall.
“Vision is a strong predictor of academic performance in children, yet, one in four children have an undiagnosed vision problem,” Petro said.
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