FAQ
School FAQ
Does the room need to be completely dark?
Ideally, the room for the vision screening should be dark enough to resemble a movie theater environment. There should be no uncovered windows, and with the lights off, you should be able to see the outline of a sheet of paper held in front of you, but not be able to clearly read any text on it.
How long should I schedule for each class to be screened?
The screening itself is very fast. A child can be screened in just a few seconds. Typically an entire class of 20 to 25 students can be done in 15-20 minutes. This minimizes both classroom disruption and distractions for the children being screened, both of which are highly important in a school screening environment.
What time will the screener arrive and begin the vision screening?
Screening will begin at the designated time listed in the coordinator paperwork, along with the number of classes and students scheduled to be screened. The screener will arrive 30 minutes or more prior to the scheduled start time to allow for setup and preparation.
When setting up our schedule, should we account for a lunch break for the screener?
No, the screener does not take a lunch break during the screening. The schedule can be arranged without needing to account for this.
Can the teacher drop off their class and leave during the screening?
No, teachers should not drop off their class and leave during a vision screening. A teacher or responsible school staff member must stay with the students at all times to help maintain order, manage behavior, and assist with any needs that may arise. Screeners are focused on conducting accurate screenings and are not responsible for supervising students.
If number of classes and/or students to be screened indicated on our paperwork is incorrect, do we need to update Vision Research?
Yes, if the number of classes and/or students to be screened indicated on our paperwork is incorrect, please update Vision Research as soon as possible to ensure we have the most accurate information for scheduling and preparation.
What should we do if we haven't received enough screening forms?
If more than a handful of screening forms are needed, please give us a call at (800) 942-0025 or email us at info@vision-research.com and we’ll be happy to send you more. Otherwise, you can access our downloadable forms here on our website.
What steps should we take if parents did not return the screening form for their child?
VRC’s screening programs are opt-out, meaning a parent needs to complete the opt-out instructions as noted on the student screening form if they do not want their child to be screened. For any child whose form was not returned, please complete Section One of the screening form. If helpful, pre-printed labels are acceptable if you prefer not to fill forms out by hand.
When can we expect to receive the results from the vision screening?
You can expect to receive the vision screening results within 3 to 4 weeks after the screening is completed.
What should I do if I need screening results for a few students before the full set of results is returned?
If you need screening results for a few students before the full set of results is returned, please email info@vision-research.com with the names of the students you need, and we will prioritize getting those results to you as quickly as possible.
What should we do with the results once they are received?
Student results are sorted by teacher. First step is to make copies of the individual student results and file them in each student’s file. Next, deliver the set of student results to each teacher and request that they be sent home to the parents. Important: it’s a good idea for the teacher to quickly review each student’s image to ensure the name and face are correctly matched before sending the results home. If any incorrect results are found, notify VRC.
The booklet provided in the results package contains the results for all students screened, along with complete details for those with possibly significant or significant vision problems indicated. It can be used to track follow-up steps and ensure that children referred for further eye care evaluation have been seen.
What should we do if we need a second copy of the results for the students' files?
If you need a second copy of the results for the students’ files, please contact VRC at info@vision-research.com and request a copy.
How do I know which students passed or failed the screening?
It’s simple — if a student’s vision screening report shows “insignificant findings” or “no problems noted,” they passed the screening. If the report indicates “possibly significant” or “significant indications of a possible vision problem,” then they did not pass and should be referred for further evaluation.
School Resource Links
In-School Screening Form - English
In-School Screening Form - Spanish
Student Screening Form - English
Student Screening Form - English (fillable PDF)
Student Screening Form - Spanish
Student Screening Form - Spanish (fillable PDF)
Owliver Coloring Page
Parent FAQ
Have a question not listed here? Reach out to us!
How common are eye problems in children?
Eye problems in children are more common than many people realize. Roughly 1 in 10 children—about 10 out of every 100—have a vision issue significant enough to require evaluation or treatment by an eye care professional. Early detection is key, as untreated vision problems can affect learning, development, and overall quality of life.
I know my child can see well. Why have them screened?
Even if your child seems to see well, a vision screening is still important. Unless they’ve had a comprehensive eye exam by an eye doctor within the past year, there may be issues that aren’t obvious—many eye problems don’t affect both eyes equally, and children rarely complain because they assume their vision is normal. For example, being able to read signs or see the board at school doesn’t guarantee both eyes are working well or that the eyes are aligned properly. Routine screening helps catch hidden issues early, before they affect learning or development.
Should my child still participate in the screening if they see an eye doctor?
Yes, your child should still participate in the screening, even if they see an eye doctor. Screenings are a helpful safety net that can catch changes or issues that may arise between regular eye exams. They also help ensure no child is missed if appointments are delayed or if there’s a gap in communication. Think of it as an extra layer of protection for your child’s vision.
My child already has glasses, should they still participate in the screening?
Yes, children who wear glasses should still participate in vision screenings. Wearing glasses doesn’t guarantee that their vision is fully corrected or that no new issues have developed. Screenings can help identify changes in vision, problems with how the eyes work together, or signs that their current prescription may no longer be effective. It’s a quick way to ensure their vision remains on track between full eye exams.
What kinds of problems does the screening detect?
The screening detects a wide range of physical eye problems. These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, most astigmatisms, anisometropia (a difference in the eyes that can indicate or lead to amblyopia), constant eye alignment errors, and ocular media opacities, such as cataracts. Click here for some more information on these.
How can a child too young to respond be screened?
The system is based on an innovative eye screening technology called “photorefraction”. The screening system itself was originally developed at and patented by NASA. It requires no response of any kind from the child. Using a very specialized camera, it produces a detailed and highly precise image of the eyes that can then be analyzed for possible problems.
What if a possible problem is detected?
The child should be seen by an eye doctor for examination. The eye doctor will make a diagnosis and treatment recommendation. You may choose your own eye doctor, your primary physician can make a referral, or school or center staff may provide names of local eye doctors.
Is this screening a substitute for an eye doctor?
No. As explained in the “Important Note” here and on every screening result form, no screening is a substitute for examination by a qualified eye care professional. This screening detects indications of a number of common eye problems, but there can be problem indications that it does not detect. Examination by an eye care professional is always recommended as preferable to any screening.
If I don’t want my child screened, what do I need to do?
If you choose not to have your child participate in the vision screening, simply follow the instructions at the top of the student screening form: write the word “No” and sign your name in the box labeled “For Office Use.” This is the official way to opt out. Please note that simply not returning the form does not opt your child out of the screening. To ensure your wishes are respected, please follow the instructions on the form.