October 2007

Why is Kindergarten Vision Screening Important?

The goals of kindergarten vision screening include identifying children who (a) have a vision impairment that may prevent them from obtaining maximum benefit from their educational opportunities and (b)) may have an unrecognized serious vision problem (i.e. amblyopia). The lack of universal and age-appropriate kindergarten vision screening continues to contribute to an unacceptable prevalence of permanent visual loss from disorders such as amblyopia, which are reversible if detected and treated early.
Amblyopia, one of the primary conditions targeted for detection with early vision screening, is a condition of visual loss in one or both eyes that cannot be attributed to any underlying structural abnormality of the eye or the visual pathway. It develops in young children when something interferes with visual development, such as a crossed eye (strabismus) or a constantly blurred image (refractive error). In these conditions, the brain no longer processes the visual image from one of or both otherwise healthy eyes optimally. Because the eye and visual system need to have clear visual input to develop good vision, this loss of normal visual input results in vision loss, which can be profound. If not recognized and treated during the early childhood years, generally before the age of 7 or 8 years, it results in permanent vision loss. If detected and treated early it is reversible in nearly all cases. Amblyopia affects 3-5% of the population and it is the most common cause of monocular visual impairment in children and young adults. Even among those 49-59 years old, amblyopia was found to be the leading cause of mild to moderate and severe visual impairment.
In addition to reduced vision, there are other serious consequences from untreated amblyopia. Individuals with amblyopia are at increased risk of suffering a traumatic injury to their one remaining “good” eye, leading to severe visual impairment. Increased difficulties with educational activities can also be expected as amblyopic eyes have been noted to have impaired reading performance.
Treatment is based on the underlying cause of amblyopia. Refractive errors and misaligned eyes may be corrected with glasses. Media opacities, such as cataracts and some cases of strabismus may require surgery. The key component of treating amblyopia is switching fixation preference, which is, making the brain process information from the amblyopic eye. This is typically done with patching of the good eye or blurring the vision in the good eye with eye drops. All forms of treatments must be implemented as early as possible. Treatment of cataracts and other conditions that prevent any image from reaching the eye and brain must be instituted during the first months of life.
As of September 2007 vision screening is now a requirement to enter kindergarten in Rhode Island.

October Screenings: Vision screenings will begin in K (for those who did not submit a vision exam result).
Audiological screenings will be given to students in 6th grade.

Pre-K required immunizations:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

4 Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DPT/DTaP)

4 Pneumococcal Conjugate

3 Polio

4 Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)

1 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Physical Examination if new to Pre-K

K requires the following immunizations and current physical:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

5 Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP/DTaP)

4 Polio

4 HIB

2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Vision screening

Lead screening

Physical Examination

Students entering grades 1-6: Same requirements for K except lead and vision screening.

Students entering grade 6 and who are interested in playing sports are required to submit a current physical examination.

7 th Grade requires the following:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

5 DTP/DTaP

4 Polio

2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Tetanus Booster

Scoliosis screening

Physical Examination

8 th grade students who are new to Jamestown School must follow the 7 th grade requirements.

The appropriate form must be mailed to the School Nurse-Teacher before the first day of school.