Imagine sending your child off to school, thinking their vision is just fine, only to receive a screening result that suggests otherwise. This is exactly what happened to one first-grade student in Wayne County, and it’s a testament to the crucial role that school vision screenings play in the lives of our children. Today, we share a heartwarming testimonial from a school nurse about a student whose vision issues were detected and addressed in a timely manner, thanks to Prevent Blindness NC’s vision screening training program.
A School Nurse Testimonial: Witnessing Impacts of Routine Screenings
As a school nurse in Wayne County, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the impact of school vision screenings firsthand. Our school, like many others across the state, routinely conducts vision screenings for students to ensure their eye health is on track for successful learning. Vision screeners are trained and certified by Prevent Blindness NC to ensure all screenings are conducted according to standardized evidence-based and age-appropriate methods. It was during one of these routine screenings that we encountered a young first-grade student whose story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of these screenings.
The Initial Screening: A Cause for Concern
During the mass screening, we assessed the vision of all our first-grade students, and one student’s results raised a red flag. The screening showed that this young student had a possible vision impairment, with the following results: Right Eye: 20/125 and Left Eye: 20/80
Naturally, this was a cause for concern. On the very same day as the screening, we sent a referral letter home with the student and also reached out to the child’s mother via Dojo, our communication platform, to inform her of the results.
A Mother’s Response: Medical History Unveiled
The mother of the student, upon receiving our message, was understandably surprised and concerned about her child’s vision. She promptly responded to our message. In her response, the mother shared a crucial piece of information: her child had undergone eye surgery for juvenile exotropia in both eyes two years ago. The surgery had been successful, and the child’s vision had seemingly been fine since then. However, she was unaware that the exotropia could resurface.
Expert Assessment: The Pediatric Ophthalmologist’s Visit
Taking the mother’s input into account, we scheduled an visit to a pediatric ophthalmologist. The examination revealed that the exotropia was indeed resurfacing and affecting the child’s vision. Timely intervention was necessary to prevent any further deterioration. The pediatric ophthalmologist recommended that the student wear glasses full time and scheduled routine check-ins to monitor progress.
Success: Passing the Rescreening
With the student now wearing glasses and receiving regular check-ups, we conducted a rescreening after a few months and the child easily passed. This success story serves as a testament to the effectiveness of school vision screenings and the importance of timely intervention. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated school nurses, parents, and the expertise of medical professionals, this young student’s vision was saved from further deterioration.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The story of this first-grade student underscores the critical importance of school vision screenings in our educational system. It serves as a compelling reminder that early detection and intervention can make all the difference in a child’s life.
Prevent Blindness NC continues to champion the cause of early vision detection by training school staff and volunteers to conduct evidence-based and age-appropriate vision screening. We encourage parents, educators, and healthcare providers to work together to ensure that no child’s vision goes unnoticed. With the right support and timely action, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our children.