Comparison of a variety of vision screening methods used with preschool children led to modification of the standard Snellen E test called the Blackbird Vision Screening System. An instructional story using an "E-bird" was developed to teach children the various possible positions of the E. The visual confusion caused by the chart was…

USING A SAMPLE OF 94 CHILDREN (31 TO 54 MONTHS OLD), THIS STUDY COMPARED EIGHT VISION SCREENING PROCEDURES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE ABILITY TO TEST FOR SEVERAL VISUAL FUNCTIONS, AND PREFERENCE AMONG THEM BY CHILDREN. THE SUBJECTS WERE ORIGINALLY TESTED USING THE EIGHT SCREENING TESTS, AND 6 MONTHS LATER 40 OF THE CHILDREN WERE RETESTED FOR…

Vision of 116 students, ages 6-19, with Down syndrome in the Brisbane (Australia) area was screened. Non-cycloplegic retinoscopy successfully assessed all the students for refractive error. Of the 99 children in special schools, about half did not show significant refractive error but 30 percent were farsighted, 14 percent nearsighted, and 21…

Strabismus and amblyopia are two common childhood vision conditions requiring early identification and treatment. Screening devices include external examination of the eye, ability to track, a cover test, acuity tests, and stereoscopic tests. Treatment includes patching therapy, use of glasses, orthoptics, CAM vision stimulator, or a combination…

A guide to help physicians identify handicapping conditions in young children and to refer the children to educational and habilitative services at an early age is presented. The first section describes the rationale for early intervention and includes current research that supports and documents the benefits of infant and preschool special…

Techniques to assess the vision, hearing, and speech and language of multihandicapped children are briefly described. Interferences in normal vision functioning and development during infancy can be identified and intervention initiated early in the child's life. Obtaining an in-depth history from the parents is the first step. It is essential…

This screening and diagnostic procedure is intended to identify Level 1 adults with specific learning problems. The adults not meeting criteria on the assessments for visual and auditory functions should be referred to proper medical services for full evaluations. A prescriptive teaching program should be specifically designed to meet needs of…

The report presents Mississippi's plan for delivering education and related services to blind and visually handicapped students. An introduction reviews the development of the report based on the work of five task forces. The task forces' reports focus on the following topics and include recommendations for state action (sample subtopics in…