Vision and Hearing Screening At School

Part of a school nurse's job is to conduct vision and hearing screens for students. A screening in these two areas is a quick and effective measure to determine if a child needs a more thorough exam by a audiologist or optometrist.

Students meeting the following criteria are screened each fall:

• Preschool - hearing and vision screen
• Kindergaren - hearing screen
• 1st grade - hearing screen
• 2nd grade- hearing and vision screen
• 3rd grade - hearing screen
• 8th grade - vision screen
• Students new to the district - hearing and vision screen
• Students who receive special education services - hearing and vision screen
• Any student can also be referred by a teacher or staff member who feels a child might be in need.

In order for a referral to be made, the student must be screened on two separate occasions with ten days in between each screening. This allows for a child to have an "off" day or for possible underlying conditions to resolve (i.e. a cold or distraction from the hallway). Please remember that a referral does not mean the child is diagnosed with a vision or hearing condition, but that they should be evaluated by a specialist.