Spot Vision Screening: A Clearer Future for Our Kids

Aug 23, 2024
Variety Care is always looking for ways to improve the health and well-being of the families in our community. We’re excited to announce a new addition to our well-child checks: spot vision screeners!  

Thanks to a generous grant, we now have these advanced tools to help make sure our youngest patients, ages 1 to 5, have healthy vision. But why is this important? Let’s explore why vision screenings are a big deal for kids and how our new spot vision screeners will make a difference. 

What Are Spot Vision Screeners?  Spot Vision Screener

A spot vision screener is a special device that quickly checks a child’s vision to see if there might be any issues. It looks like a small camera, and it can check a child’s eyes in just a few seconds.  

The best part? It’s completely non-invasive, which means it doesn’t hurt or bother the child at all. The screener doesn’t even need the child to read an eye chart, which can be tricky for little ones. Instead, the child simply looks at the device, and the screener does the rest! We are still using the eye charts on our older children. 

Why Vision Screenings Are Important for Children 

Vision is one of the most important senses for children as they grow and learn about the world around them. But many vision problems for children ages 1 to 5 do not have obvious signs that appear on eye charts like older children. 

  1. Early Detection of Vision Problems: Some vision issues, like lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus), need to be caught early to be treated effectively. If these problems are not caught early, they can lead to more serious vision issues later in life. Spot vision screeners help catch these problems when they are easier to treat. 
  2. Better Learning and Development: Good vision is key for a child’s development. Children learn a lot through what they see, especially when they’re very young. If a child cannot see clearly, it can slow down their learning and make it harder for them to keep up with their peers. By catching vision problems early, we can help ensure that every child has the best chance to learn and grow. 
  3. Improved Quality of Life: Seeing well is not just about learning. It’s also about enjoying life! Whether it’s playing with friends, reading a book, or exploring the outdoors, good vision helps children experience the world to the fullest. Early vision screenings help us make sure every child can see clearly and enjoy all the fun that comes with being a kid. 

How Variety Care’s New Spot Vision Screeners Will Help 

Our new spot vision screeners are a game-changer for well-child checks for our patients ages 1 to 5. The spot vision screener checks a child’s vision in just a few seconds. This means we can quickly and easily check the vision of every child who comes in for a well-child check. It’s fast, so even the busiest little ones don’t have to sit still for long! 

These devices are designed to be very accurate. They can detect a wide range of vision issues, even in children who might not be able to tell us there’s a problem. This helps us catch issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

Variety Care’s Comprehensive Eye Care Services 

In addition to our new spot vision screeners, Variety Care also offers comprehensive optometry services. Our team of eye care professionals is here to help with any vision issues your child might have. If a patient under 3-years-old receives an abnormal spot vision screen result, our optometrists will assist them. Children older than 3-years-old will be referred to one of Variety Care’s partner specialist ophthalmologists.  

Whether it’s a simple prescription for glasses or more specialized care, we’re committed to ensuring that every child has access to the eye care they need. 

What’s Next? 

If your child is due for a well-child check, make sure to schedule an appointment with Variety Care by calling or texting 405-632-6688. Scheduling is also available through MyChart. We’re excited to use our new spot vision screeners to help keep your child’s vision healthy. And remember, early detection is key, so don’t wait!