Vision Intervention Program

Indiana Gazette Archives News Children's vision affects their grades

2010-08-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Indiana Gazette Archives News Children's vision affects their grades

Play essential to reading!

2010-07-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Answering a question from a mother of a kindergarten child, the author explains the importance of play, especially outside play in letting the child develop the skills they need to read and be successful in school.

http://www.freep.com/article/20100721/FEATURES01/7210333/1322/Play-will-get-child-ready-for-reading

Vision, Learning and Dyslexia

2010-07-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

In this article, Larry Fitzgerald, the all-pro receiver for the St. Louis Cardinals, addresses the complexity of vision and the importance of assuring children's vision is operating effectively and efficiently.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vision-learning--dyslexia---all-pro-arizona-cardinals-wide-receiver-larry-fitzgerald-sets-the-record-straight-98021859.html

Game therapy restores vision in child's eye - Neoseeker News Article

2010-07-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

Interesting short article about a child who had severe lazy eye and after using a patch for only a week, had dramatic improvements in the lazy eye. Caution that this is only one example, but the idea that weak eyes can improve is important.

Game therapy restores vision in child's eye - Neoseeker News Article

America's vision gets blurrier!

2010-05-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

Click on the link to hear a story from last winter about our vision is getting worse and the need for kids to be outside.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vli0yA67lj0

Helps for Mom's of young children

2010-05-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

If you have pre-school children take a look at this free resource. Great suggestions on how to handle a number of troublesome areas of child rearing. www.profitmatic.com/imageLibrary/dir2370129/2370129_34475.pdf

Fitness May Boost Kids' Grades - BusinessWeek

2010-03-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

Fitness May Boost Kids' Grades - BusinessWeek

Eight Step Mehods to Protect Young Childrens Eyes.

2009-12-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Eight Step Methods about Optical Protection for Young Children from enjoyvisionlife.com

By admin - Last updated: Monday, December 14, 2009 -

The specialist ophthalmologist of www.glassesshop.com has worked out eight step-methods about optical protection for young children. All parents pay attention please: the optical protection for young children should begin from childhood, which prevents rapid vision loss because of over-worked eyes and eyestrains.

1. Environment: Have more contacts with nature, frequent see distant green scenery.

2. Posture & place: While child is reading or writing, the height of desk and chair should be adjusted to the height of child, and the posture should be proper: chin up and chest out; the distance between eyes and the desktop should be 30-40 centimeters;(12 to 16 inches) the line of sight must be perpendicular to the book and not be too near to the desktop. It is advisable to read in a luminous room, and it is better that the light comes from top-left side. A small or blurred print is harmful to eyes. Do not read in shaking carriage.

3. Time: Have a rest for 5-10 minutes after ceaseless writing or reading for 40 minutes. After school, the time of using eyes (including reading, writing, watching TV, using a computer, playing video games or playing the piano) should be less than two hours in order to avoid eyestrain.

4. Television: The distance between eyes and the television screen should be always 6-8 times of the size of the television screen. You’d better have a rest for 5-10 minutes after watching TV for 30 minutes. Never watch TV for an hour continuously. (Emphasis added by Learning Insights) The light also should be shining in the room while you are watching TV.

5. Computer: Take a break for 5-10 minutes after working for half an hour. Install filter to avoid reflected light. The space behind computer should be at least one meter, and the background is in pastels which is helpful for eyes to enjoy a short recess from computer. The computer screen should be located at 10°-20° of the view line and the distance between computer screen and eyes should be 60-70 centimeters. The total time of using computer a day should be within four hours.

6. Nutrition: Have well-balanced diets; be not fussy about the food. Usually eat foods that are high in vitamins A, such as carrot, tomato, spinach, vegetables in dark green or strong yellow, egg yolk and liver which are helpful in protecting eyes.

7. Sports: Do more outdoor activities.

8. Hygiene: One should have his/her eyes examined periodically. Get the right lenses for eyeglasses according to the prescription provided by ophthalmologist.

Eyeglass escorts one’s eyes which could best express the emotion of one’s mind. If the eyeglasses have become the necessity in your life, www.glassesshop.com will be your best choice.

Playing, Taboo or a Lost Art?

2009-12-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

Playing, Taboo or a Lost Art?

Business & Technology | Study reinforces that kids watch a lot of TV | Seattle Times Newspaper

2009-12-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

Business & Technology Study reinforces that kids watch a lot of TV Seattle Times Newspaper: "Study reinforces that kids watch a lot of TV
It's not called the electronic baby sitter for nothing.
The Associated Press
NEW YORK —
It's not called the electronic baby sitter for nothing.
The Nielsen Co. says in a study released Monday that children ages 2 to 5 watch more than 32 hours of television each week.
Kids 6 to 11 spend a little less time in front of a TV screen - more than 28 hours. But that's partly because they have to go to school.
According to the study, the television viewing by children 2 to 11 is the most since 1995.
The younger kids, or at least their parents, are tech-savvy. The 32 hours of TV-watching includes an hour and a half of shows taped on a digital video recorder, and 4 1/2 hours of programs on a DVD.
Nielsen also says children ages 6 to 11 play video games on a television for nearly 2 1/2 hours a week on average."

Study reinforces that kids watch a lot of TV | Seattle Times Newspaper

2009-12-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

Business & Technology Study reinforces that kids watch a lot of TV Seattle Times Newspaper: "Study reinforces that kids watch a lot of TV
It's not called the electronic baby sitter for nothing.
The Associated Press -NEW YORK —

It's not called the electronic baby sitter for nothing.

The Nielsen Co. says in a study released Monday that children ages 2 to 5 watch more than 32 hours of television each week.

Kids 6 to 11 spend a little less time in front of a TV screen - more than 28 hours. But that's partly because they have to go to school.

According to the study, the television viewing by children 2 to 11 is the most since 1995.

The younger kids, or at least their parents, are tech-savvy. The 32 hours of TV-watching includes an hour and a half of shows taped on a digital video recorder, and 4 1/2 hours of programs on a DVD.

Nielsen also says children ages 6 to 11 play video games on a television for nearly 2 1/2 hours a week on average."

Video about Convergency Insufficiency

2009-11-26T08:45:00.000-08:00

Click on the link below to view an interesting video about convergence insufficiency. The video describes the problem well and gives a personal story of a child with the issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAgyojExdHI

The Vision Intevention Program (V. I. P.) checks children for this issue and provides help with the tutoring offered at school. While doctors have special tools and techniques they can used to help children, as you can see in the video, many families cannot afford to take their child to one of these specialist which makes the support they receieve from the V. I. P. vital.

Majority of parents overestimate child’s fitness

2009-11-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

"London, Nov 25 (IANS) Seventy one percent parents think their children are ‘active enough’ but only 10 percent children say they do the recommended exercise, according to a survey.

British Heart Foundation (BHF) questioned nearly 1,000 parents with children aged eight to 15.
Their report ‘Couch Kids’ shows that while the number of obese children has risen since the mid-1990s, there have been no major changes in children’s physical activity levels over the past decade.

“Regular physical activity is vital for children to reduce their chances of becoming obese and developing Type 2 diabetes,” said Libby Dowling, care advisor at Diabetes UK.

“It is recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. This does not have to be all in one go; it can be in chunks of about 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day,” said Dowling.

“Parents have a key part to play in controlling their children’s weight. Encouraging them to be fit and active by simply walking to school or playing football in the garden are great ways to give children the start in life they deserve,” Dowling said."

V. I. P. contines to grow!

2009-11-24T11:12:00.000-08:00

The Vision Intervention Program saw a 31% growth in the number of school buildings participating in the program for the 2009 - 2010 school year. Forty eight buildings from thirty four school districts are helping their students develop the vision skills needed to be successful in school.

The program had 93% of the districts that participated during the 2008 - 2009 school year find the program to be a valuable resource and continue for the 2009 - 2010 year.

For a complete list of schools contact Michael at 573-291-1187.

One of the MOST POWERFUL programs seen in 30 years in education!

2009-06-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Carl RosenquistPrincipal at Mark Twain Kindergarten Center in Poplar Bluff, MO stated recently

"The program (Vision Intervention Program) is one of the most powerful I have seen in my 30 years. I think that a combination of Vision Training and Reading First has made a profound difference in our Reading Program with 95% of our students reaching Benchmark scores at the end of the year."

Go to http://www.learninginsights.org/ to learn more.

Vision Ready Kids

2009-04-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Over 40% of the students coming into kindergarten have vision challenges that impact their learning. There are many simple, inexpensive things pre-schools and day care providers can do to help children develop their the vision skills needed to be successful.

Learning Insights’ team of vision and early childhood specialists have developed a hands on, practical workshops specifically designed for those working with children age 3 to 5.

Training is approved for CEU’s from the
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Individual training is offered at various locations around the state and cost $20 per participant.
Check http://www.learninginsights.org/ for a current list of locations.

Training can be offered for school’s staff with the cost beginning at $250 for one workshop or $400 for two workshops on the same day. Travel expense of .505 cents per mile for a round trip will be charged.

Contact us at:
Learning Insights.11560 Fletcher Lane, Holts Summit, MO 65043
fax 888-636-4407 mflynn@learninginsights.org

ADD or Vision Issue - News report

2009-03-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Interesting news article about a little girl diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.

http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/fulltext/?cid=48082

Informational Meetings Spring 2009

2009-03-17T14:11:00.001-07:00

A series of informational meetings are being held this spring to explain the program and how they can access this proven resource.

March 27, 1:00 – 3:00 Jefferson City
SMCAA conference room, 1014 Northeast Drive, Jefferson City, 65109

March 31, 1:00 – 3:00 St. Louis Area
Jefferson County Library, 5680 Highway PP, High Ridge, 63049

April 2, 1:00 – 3:00, Springfield
Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell, Springfield, 65810

April 6, 1:00 – 3:00 Cape Girardeau
Indian Room SEMSU, Cape Girardeau, 63701

April 8, 10:00 – Noon, Warrensburg
Room 117 Union, UCM, Warrensburg, 64093

April 9, 1:00 – 3:00, St. Joseph
Keatley Center, 1202 S. 28th, St. Joseph, 64507

May 7, 1:00 – 3:00, Maryville
1429 S. Munn Ave, lower level, Maryville, 64468

Please contact Learning Insights at mflynn@learninginsights.org or
573.291.1187 for more information and to reserve a spot at one of the meetings.

Article about reducing children's nearsightedness

2009-03-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Very interesting article appeared recently that showed that those children who played outside were much less prone to nearsightedness.

Check it out:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1107748/Playing-outside-prevent-children-short-sighted.html

V. I. P. Continues to grow!

2008-12-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

Twenty eight districts across Missouri are currently using the Vision Intervention Program (V. I. P.) to help students. Schools include:

Original V. I. P Pilot Schools 2005-2006

DA Mallory Elementary, Buffalo
Northeast R-IV Elementary, Cairo
East Carter Elementary, Ellsinore
Hollister Elementary, Hollister

2006 – 2007 Schools

Cassville R-IV Elementary, Cassville
Hartville R-II Elementary, Hartville
Westran-R-I Elemenary, Huntsville
Lincoln Elementary, Lincoln
Portageville Elementary, Portageville
Junction Hill C-12 Elementary, West Plains
Naylor Elementary, Naylor

2007-2008 Schools

LaMonte R-IV Elementary, LaMonte
South Iron Elementary, Annapolis
Van Far Elementary, Vandalia
Tarkio Elementary, Tarkio
Poplar Bluff R-I Kindergarten Center, Poplar Bluff
South Harrison Elementary, Bethany
Twin Rivers R-10 Elementaries, Broseley Two buildings
Northwest R-I Elementaries, High Ridge, Six buildings
Hillview Elementary, Neelyville
Harrisburg Elementary, Harrisburg

2008 – 2009 Schools

Clearwater Elementary, Piedmont
Community R-VI Elementary, Laddonia
East Newton Elementaries, Granby, two buildings
Galena Elementary, Galena
Purdy Elementary, Purdy
Dora Elementary, Dora
South Nodaway Elementary, Guilford

Informational meetings being held

2008-03-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Meetings for schools interested in participating in the Vision Intervention Program are currently being held. All schools are welcome to come and learn about the program and how to bring it to your students.

March 24th 1:00 p.m. Jefferson County Library, 5680 State Route PP, High Ridge

March 25th 9:00 a.m. SEMO, University Center, Indian Room, Cape Girardeau

March 25th 1:00 p.m. Administration Building, Missouri Room, 1110 NW Westwood Dr., Poplar Bluff

March 26th 9:00 a.m. Junction Hill Elementary, 8004 Co. Rd. 3010, West Plains

March 26th 2:30 p.m. South Central RPDC, 800 University Dr., Rolla

March 27th 2:00 p.m. Southwest RPDC, 2nd Floor, Great Southern Bank Building, 430 S. Avenue, Springfield

March 31st 1:00 p.m. Keatley Center, 1202 S. 28th, St. Joseph

April 1st 9:00 a.m. Salvation Army Chapel, 3013 E. 9th, Kansas City, MO

April 9th 9:00 a.m. SMCAA Conference Room, 1111 Madison St., Jefferson City

Please e-mail mflynn@learninginsights.org or call 573-291-1187 to register your attendance to assure sufficient space and materials.

11560 Fletcher Lane, Holts Summit, MO 65043

Vision Intervention Program moves to Learning Insights

2008-03-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

On February 15th, 2008 officials with SuccessLink agreed to transfer the license for the Vision Intervention Program (V. I. P.) to a newly formed not for profit agency entitled Learning Insights.

With the growth of the program and the effort to remain focused on disseminating information on numerous best practices SuccessLink felt this was the best decision for both the agency and the V. I. P.

Michael Flynn is the executive director of the new organization. Michael has been involved with the program since its inception in 2005. Dr. David Pierce, the optometric director for the program as well as Tem Hiesberger, Barb Stratton, and Nancy Hale continue to be involved and are excited about the future growth and development of the program.

Learning Insights can be contacted by calling 573-291-1187 or e-mailing Michael at mflynn@learninginsights.org. The mailing address is 11560 Fletcher Lane, Holts Summit, MO 65043.

post on tehnorati

2007-04-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

Technorati Profile

Clear Correlation between vision challenges and low reading ability

2007-04-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

During the 2006 – 2007 school year, 2,789 K – 3 students were screened for vision challenges. Screenings were conducted by school personnel who were trained and certified by the Vision Intervention Program. The students were divided into three categories, (1) screening score of 0-9, (2) screening score of 10-15, and (3) screening score of 15 & up. Students who scored in the second and third categories were considered to have vision challenges. Of the 2,789 screened; 1,215 students were found to have vision challenges. This represents 43.6% of the students. The program found a correlation to the vision challenges and the child’s ability to read.

A score of 0 – 9 shows the child doesn’t have vision challenges, scores of 10 – 14 indicate the child has some vision challenges, and scores 15 and above indicate more serious challenges. The chart above shows that students who have a vision challenge are also below their classmates in reading.

Twenty Three Schools involved for 2006 - 2007

2006-12-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

A wide variety of schools are involved in the Vision Intervention Program. If you are interested in visiting any of these locations to learn more about the program please call 573-636-4395

Original V. I. P Pilot Schools
1 DA Mallory, Buffalo, MO
2 Northeast R-IV, Cairo, MO
3 Camdenton, MO
4 East Carter County, Ellsinore, MO
5 Hollister, MO
6 Roscoe, MO
7 Our Lady of Providence, St. Louis, MO
8 Salisbury, MO
9 Strafford, MO

New schools in 2006 – 2007
1 Jefferson 123, Conception Junction, MO
2 Cassville, MO
3 Fayette, MO
4 Hartville, MO
5 Hermitage, MO
6 Westran-R-I, Huntsville, MO
7 South Elementary, Jackson, MO
8 Leslie Bell Elementary, Lexington, MO
9 Lincoln, MO
10 Maysville, MO
11 Naylor, MO
12 Pleasant Hope, MO
13 Portageville, MO
14 Junction Hill C-12, West Plains, MO

Training for Screeners and Tutors Great Success

2006-12-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

Training for the fourteen new schools went very well during August and Septemeber of 2006. With feedback from over 30 screeners and 30 tutors the consensus was that they received the information needed in a useful, coherent manner. Both groups received 16 hours of training and all the materials and tools needed to implement the program in their districts. Below are some images from the tutor training that occured in August of 2006

New Schools being accepted into Vision Intervention Program for 2006 - 2007

2006-04-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

Up to 25 new schools will be accepted into the Vision Intervention Program for the 2006 - 2007 school year. Two informational meetings have been held for interested individuals with over 40 people in attendance.

Detailed certification of individuals who will serve as screeners and as tutors will be part of the progam with additional training for the physical education teacher and other teachers being provided.

Recertification of last years screeners was provided recently to assure that the screening process maintains its high quality.

46% of screened students found to have vision challenges

2006-02-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

During the fall of 2005 the eleven pilot schools screened 2,166 students and found that 46.02% had vision challenges. This does not mean that these students are necessariyly behind in their studies or failing school. But it does seem to indicate that these students are working harder than necessary to see and read.

The schools discussed the issue with the parents/guardians and are working with these students now. The pilot schools are excited by the progress children are making as they receive tutoring support and while reading scores are not in at this point and we cannot guarantee that they will improve, the indications are strong that a positive correlation will be found.

Eleven Districts involved with pilot effort

2005-10-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Eleven districts from across Missouri are involved with the effort to identify children with vision challenges, refer them to trained optometrists, and offer support for them with activities to help their vision difficulty.

The districts include:
Camdenton R-III, Camdenton
Dallas Co. R-I, Buffalo
Hollister R-V, Hollister
Northeast Randolph Co. R-IV, Cairo
Osage R-VI, Westphalia
Salisbury R-IV, Salisbury
Strafford R-V, Strafford
Our Lady of Providence School, St. Louis
Roscoe C-1, Roscoe
Willard R-III, Willard
Willow Springs R-IV, Willow Springs

Schools are screening different primary grades with some of them screening all the children in grades K - 3 while others have selected one or two grade levels. One criteria of the program is that whichever grades are involved, all the children within that grade must be screened for vision challenges.

As the screenings began Dr. Pierce or Michael Flynn supervised the process to assure consistency across the program and to answer any questions or concerns that arose.

All screeners reconvened on Sept. 30, 2005 to discuss the progress to date, review any questions regarding procedures used, and to evaluate some results and determine if modifications needed to be made to the scoring process.

Overall, the consensus was very positive. Specific information will be posted regarding preliminary screening results soon.

Thirty three Missouri Educators Trained

2005-08-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

August 11th and 12th were the dates for the first ever, Vison Intervention Program Certified Screener training. Thirty three individuals from 10 school districts across the state were trained in how to consistently give five test to check students for vision challenges. Dr. David Pierce from Springfield, MO served as our Optometric director, while Dawn Mannon and Pam Hamlett from East Carter School District served as school vision experts. Michael Flynn organized and chaired the training event.

The educators received all the equipment necessary to conduct the trainings and were able to practice on each other and then screen students at an area day care center. Extended conversations were held following these screenings to discuss findings, how to score the various test, and differences in the students.

These certified screeners will begin the evaluation of their students in September 2005 with Dr. Pierce or Mr. Flynn providing oversight to assure consistency. They will the reconvene in late September to review findings, discuss areas that need additional information, and to determine how best to help students with vision challenges in their buildings.

Does vision therapy improve reading?

2005-06-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

Another of the basic questions that I've been researching is the effect vision therapy has on reading. A number of articles show clear evidence of the positive effect of vision therapy in improving reading. Some of the more recent include the following.

Hefner B. Effects of vision therapy on reading students with vision problems. Paper presented to the Kansas Legislature. Kansas Optometric Association, February 9, 2000.

Five hundred students with reading problems were screened by optometrists in 1998 and 1999. Problems that would hinder reading efficiency were identified in more than half of these students. Fifty-six students were placed in a study with 27 as a control and 29 as a treatment group. At the end of the 15-week vision training time, the treatment group’s reading levels increased one grade level. These changes were not seen in the control group.
Harris P. Learning-related visual problems in Baltimore city: a long-term program. J Optom Vis Devel 2002; 33:75-115.

A longitudinal, single-masked, random sample study of children at a Baltimore City Public Elementary school documents the prevalence of learning-related visual problems in the inner city of Baltimore and tests the effectiveness of vision therapy. Vision therapy was provided to one of the randomly selected groups and data were collected on optometric tests, visual performance tests, and standardized achievement tests before and after treatment was provided. Data presented show that the vision therapy program has made a significant difference in the demand level of reading that could be read for understanding, in math achievement on standardized testing, and in reading scores on standardized testing, as well as on infrared eye-movement Visagraph recordings, which show significant changes on nearly all mechanical aspects of the reading process.

Solan HA, Shelley-Tremblay J, Ficarra A, et al. Effect of attention therapy on reading comprehension. J Learn Disabil 2003;36:556-563.

This prospective, randomized study quantified the influence of visual attention therapy on the reading comprehension of Grade 6 children with moderate reading disabilities in the absence of specific reading remediation. At the completion of vision therapy, the experimental group improved significantly on attention and reading comprehension scores. The control group showed no significant improvement in reading comprehension scores.

2005-06-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

One of many questions that I've been researching:

Do vision difficulties relate to reading problems?

I found the following article:

Young B, Collier-Gary K, Schwing S. Visual factors – a primary cause of failure in beginning reading. J Optom Vis Devel 1994; 25:276–88

In a longitudinal study of 144 beginning readers in public school, data on 25 measures of visual efficiency were subjected to two- and three-way Analyses of Variance. Binocular function, visual acuity, discrepancies in acuity, and color deficiencies were all found to be statistically significant in impeding beginning reading. Significant differences were also found in the sequence of visual development between sexes, between eye dominance for different tasks, between specific factors for 6-, 7-, and 8- year olds and first and second grades. It was concluded that visual factors are a primary cause of beginning reading failure and that most current school screenings are inadequate in scope and rigor.

Proof that vision therapy works

2005-05-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

Its been very interesting to get a number of calls and e-mails regarding the "fact" that there is no evidence that vision therapy or vision development works. The callers and writers don't site any evidence to that "fact" but simply state it as one.

I'm currently working hard to find the research, good or bad, about the issue and will keep you updated.

I found a web site called "SIMPLY Brainy" put together by a Dr. Bowan, a D. O. He offers some very interesting information at http://www.simplybrainy.com/LDProof.html I strongly encourage you to go into that link and read some of the evidence.

Planning meeting on May 10, 2005

2005-04-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Interest in the VIP program continues to grow and I am receiving applications for the pilot school effort each day. I had a wonderful meeting with Dr. Stephen Miller with COVD two weeks ago where we discussed the project and he provided me a greater understanding of COVD and optometrist training. Later in the day I had the chance to meet with Dr. Ralph Garzia with UMSL and discussed the evaluation of the project. We are hopeful that we can involve various departments of UMSL so we can have a well structured, meaningful evaluation.

As part of these conversations, I realized that the next step in building training for teachers is to have your input into the key pieces of the screening. The goal of V.I.P. is to train individuals to become vision screeners in Missouri schools. These screeners will conduct a quick, less than 10 minute, screening of a child to determine if there is a vision challenge. The screener will refer the child with possible problems to an optometrist for evaluation. If the student has a vision problem the doctor will work with the child, parents and teachers to develop a process to help improve the child’s vision. Here at SuccessLink, we will also work with teachers so they understand what vision is and how they can help all their students in this area.

The teachers who have been screening students are using the following tests in their screening process:

Wolf Eye tracking using an opaque occluder
Saccadic movement using two wands
Near point of convergence
Cover test of one eye to watch the eyes response.
The Gessell Incomplete man
The Standardized Copy Form Test and grade it for age appropriate level.
Look for unusual eye movement, squinting, tilting of the head, etc.
Quick questionnaire for the parents and, if applicable, the teacher designed to spot visual and visual perceptual risk.

Toward the goal of finalizing our screening process, I would like to invite you to a meeting in our conference room on May 10th from 10:00 – 3:00.

My two priorities for this meeting are first: will these tests provide the procedure to identify children with vision problems? And second: how should these tests be conducted to insure that all the screeners are doing the test in a consistent and accurate manner.

Basis of Vision Intervention Program (V. I. P.)

2005-04-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

SuccessLink, a not for profit educational agency in Missouri, USA recognizes programs across the state that have proven to help students with a Proven Practice Award each year. In 2004, the school in Blue Eye, Missouri received the award for their vision development program. They screen their students for vision problems with the understanding that vision is MUCH more than 20/20 acuity.

Backgroud of the program:

In the fall of 2000 teachers K-4, Title and Special Education teachers at the Blue Eye School District, received training in screening for vision disorders and assisting with vision exercises and activities. Following are the steps taken to identify students at Blue Eye Elementary K-4 for visual disorders that interfere with their reading and learning. Students are screened for visual disorders by the Title I Reading Specialist. The screening consists of five tests:

Visual Sequential Memory – the ability to remember forms or characters in order. This skill is particularly important in spelling, letter omissions, additions, or transpositions within words, remembering patterns or chunks in reading.

Visual Closure – the ability to visualize a complete whole given incomplete information. This skill helps children read and comprehend quickly.

Visual Span – the amount of information that can be absorbed in one visual fixation in a given amount of time. The ability to interpret, understands, and retains varying amounts of information. Reading comprehension and speed require well-developed visual span skills.

Tracking – children with tracking problems lose their place when reading, skip or transpose word and have difficulty comprehending.

Copy Forms – If a child can’t copy these simple geometric forms, it is unreasonable to assume the he will be able to perceive wiggly lines which make up letter, which make up words, which make up sentences. This test also shows visional organizational skills.

After an initial diagnosis by the reading specialist, students are referred to a Developmental Optometrist for an official diagnosis. Parents give permission for a copy of that diagnosis to be sent to the school to show what assistance is needed to correct the disorders. In addition to vision therapy from the optometrist, the parents, Title I teachers, Special Education teachers, classroom teachers, and volunteers also provide support with activities and exercises with the student. These activities are done individually when needed but most of the time it is done in small groups and whole class situations. They occur at least four times a week for thirty minutes per session. The activities includeprocedures designed to enhance the brain’s ability in the above mentioned areas.

THE RESULTS AFTER APPROXIMATELY 7 MONTHS OF EFFORT

The STAR Reading Assessment test is used to measure reading levels every quarter. Such examples are:
Students not having vision problems:

Gain in reading Number of students

0 .7 Grade levels 28

Students with vision disorders symptoms not receiving therapy:

Gain in reading Number of students

0.6 Grade levels 2

All students with vision disorders symptoms receiving vision therapy:

Gain in reading Number of students

1.7 Grade levels 14