Back-to-school season is here, and one of the most important things children need for a good start is something we often take for granted—the ability to see well.
As Head Start and PreK classrooms across North Carolina welcome children back, the Preschool Vision Screening team is getting ready to hit the road for another year of screening. This year, our team expects to screen more than 32,000 preschoolers, helping identify children who may have vision problems that could otherwise go unnoticed. For many children, a PBNC vision screening may be their first opportunity to have their vision checked. Young children don’t always know when they aren’t seeing well, and vision problems can easily go unnoticed. Finding a potential problem early can help make sure children have the vision they need to learn, play, and grow.
Our Preschool Vision Screening team brings more than screening equipment to each childcare center. They bring a genuine passion for the mission of Prevent Blindness NC: to prevent blindness and preserve sight. Every screening is an opportunity to make a difference. Often the screening identifies a vision concern that a parent or teacher didn’t know was there. After thousands of screenings, our team has plenty of stories and special moments that remind them why this work matters.
As we get ready for another screening year, we asked our Vision Screeners to share a little about what fuels their motivation and passion and what they are looking forward to this year.
What is your favorite part of being a Vision Screener?
“It is so rewarding being a part of the process that can detect and correct vision problems in 2 to 5 years olds, knowing it will improve the foundation upon which they will build their life. I get paid in lots and lots of HUGS!!”
-Peggy W., Year 7 Screener
“Being able to help children who need glasses or other assistance and know that they will receive the care they need and not fall behind in school because they were not able to see what others were able to.”
-Carol S., Year 27 Screener
“My favorite part is actually finding those children who have vision needs. You wish all children had 20/20 vision – but the sooner we find a child in need of correction, the better. Getting glasses will change their lives!”
Elaine L., Year 19 Screener
“Going into the centers and getting to talk with and hear the questions that the kids have for me. They are always so inquisitive about what I doing. I can be having a rough morning and the smiles and sweet voices are always uplifting.
-Jessica M., Year 5 Screener
What are you most looking forward to as a new screening year begins?
“As we begin another screening year, I look forward to those moments when we find a vision concern that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. I’ve had teachers tell me about children whose screenings through Prevent Blindness uncovered an issue they weren’t aware of, and it’s really rewarding to hear how that discovery helped the child. It’s a good reminder that even though our part with each child is very brief, what we do can be very important.”
-Kathy D., Year 3 Screener
“Every year I look forward to meeting a new group of preschool students, treating them with warmth and kindness so that they are more comfortable having their eyes checked. I also look forward to connecting with the schools and teachers I have formed a relationship with who are often very thankful for this service we are providing because they know that early intervention helps the child greatly and supports the school’s goals as well.”
Erika M., Year 4 Screener
“I love it when the parents follow up and actually get the kids the visual help they need.”
-Susan O., Year 2 Screener
“A chance to connect with kids, to validate their importance in the world! High fives, noticing cool T-shirts, pronouncing their names!”
-Vicki L., Year 5 Screener
As you can see, our screening team is truly passionate about their role in our efforts to save sight! Their answers give a glimpse into the people who make this program possible and the heart they bring to every screening.
