• Reference Number: HEY1162/2023
• Departments: Ophthalmology Department
• Last Updated: 31 December 2023

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.

What is vision screening?

The NHS recommends vision screening for all children at age 4 to 5 years. It is a national screening programme with the primary aim being to detect reduced vision affecting one or both eyes, the need for glasses, or a turn in the eye (squint). The Trust is responsible for the screening programme in the Hull and East Yorkshire region.

Why is vision screening important?

Children are not born with good vision; in the same way children learn to speak, children have to learn to see. Vision develops from birth to around 8 years of age. Children rarely complain of a problem as they are not aware the way they see is not normal. Problems can go unnoticed by parents and schools, especially if the problem is subtle or only affects one eye. Between 3 and 5% of children can have a vision problem. This can impact on your child’s learning and development and is why vision screening is recommended by the NHS.

What will happen?

Before the test you will receive information about the vision screening programme. Please read this information carefully and discuss it with your family if you wish. The information is there to help you make an informed decision on whether you want your child to be screened for a vision problem.

The test is usually carried out at your child’s school or nursery. If your child is not attending school then you will be invited to attend a test venue near your home. The test will be carried out by a member of the orthoptic Team, a specialist in vision with extensive experience working with children of all ages and abilities.

Your child will be assessed in a relaxed environment using a number of fun games. Vision will be assessed using a letter matching test. The test is fun and does not require your child to know their letters. Each eye will be tested separately by using a pair of glasses with one side blanked out. Following this some tests will be done to see how well your child is using their eyes together as a pair. The tests are safe and children enjoy playing the games. The assessment should take no longer than 10 minutes. 

What are the possible results?

Once the assessment is complete you will be sent a letter informing you of the findings from the screening service.

If the screening assessment suggests reduced vision, we will try and contact you to discuss the findings in more detail and answer any questions. This will be confirmed in writing and your child will be referred for further tests to a local hospital or community eye service 

If screening does not suggest reduced vision, we will send you a letter confirming this. 

Is vision screening optional?

Yes. You are able to choose whether you would like your child to have vision screening. Vision screening allows any vision problems to be identified and treated quickly at the start of your child’s school life. 

Can there be any complications or risks?

Vision screening, like all screening programmes is not perfect. Occasionally children with suspected reduced vision from screening, following a more detailed assessment may not in fact have a problem. Equally vision screening should find most problems, but like any screening programme it is not perfect and may not identify every child with reduced vision.

There are not usually any risks associated with the tests carried out. All the tests carried out are fun and easy to do. The tests will be selected based on your child’s age and ability.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Orthoptic Department on tel: 01482 816605.

General Advice and Consent

Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.

Consent to treatment

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats your child, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to your child. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.

The information you receive should be about your child’s condition, the alternatives available for your child, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:

• you must be able to give your consent
• you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
• you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person

Information about your child

We collect and use your child’s information to provide your child with care and treatment. As part of your child’s care, information about your child will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your child’s information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.

We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide your child with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your child’s doctor, or the person caring for your child.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about your child. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you need information about your child’s (or a child you care for) health and wellbeing and their care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.