Vision Screening Service
This service is run by the Orthoptists and Orthoptic Assistants at Warrington Hospital.
We assess the vision of 4-5 years when they are in reception. You will receive an opt out form at the start of the school year, only complete this if you do not want your child to be seen.
If your child is electively home educated and you have informed Warrington Borough Council of this, you will be sent an appointment to attend a hospital clinic for a vision assessment. If your child is not in school or you have not registered them as electively home educated, please contact your GP for a referral.
The vision test
We use a letter based test, your child does not need to know their letters to complete this as we have matching cards to use. We use glasses with a lens blacked out to assess their vision in each eye.
We assess children's vision every day and adapt the testing to make it as fun as possible.
Results
1. Pass - your child has achieved a normal level of vision for their age. This does not rule out the need for glasses or future eye problems and we recommend visiting a local opticians every 1-2 years.
2. Fail - your child's vision is below the expected level in either one or both eyes or we noticed an eye condition that requires further review. They will be referred for a full assessment of their vision and eye movements and have glasses test.
3. Not yet tested - if your child was absent we will send an appointment out for you to bring them for a vision check in the hospital or a community clinic.
4. Unable to test - the letter based test is not appropriate for everybody or some children do not want to take part. We will refer your child for a full assessment, this may be in a specialist clinic if they have any additonal needs.
What happens at the appointment?
An orthoptist will assess your child's vision and eye movements. We will use a letter based test for comparison but we have many other methods to assess vision in children if required.
If your child requires a glasses check the Orthoptist will put eye drops in your childs eyes. This enlarges their pupils and stops their focusing muscles from working. It is important this is done in children to give the most accurate results.
You will then see an optometrist who will perform a glasses and eye health check.
If your child was not assessed in school due to additional needs they will be referred to a specialist clinic for a full orthoptic vision assessment. We have lots of different methods to assess vision which are appropriate for all abilities. Depending on the findings your child will either be discharged, kept under review or a glasses and eye health check will be arranged on a separate day.