Programs

Children's Vision Screenings

Our cornerstone program is children's vision screening.  This program strives to improve the health and education of children throughout the state.  In the 2010-2011 school year Prevent Blindness Oklahoma screened 278,698 children and referred 32,090 for further care with an eye care professional.  Children's Vision Screeners and Masons screen all children requested by the school.  Prevent Blindness Oklahoma screens in public and private schools, Head Starts and daycares and have offered our services to all Oklahoma school districts.  Screening for visual acuity, muscle imbalance, and near vision, PBO uses state approved methods, chart screening, and Random Dot E for children Pre-K thru 3rd grade.  Fourth grade and older are screened for near vision and distant acuity.  Photoscreening uses a technologically advanced camera to screen children ten months to three years of age, in addition to non-verbal and special needs children.

There is an acute need for the Children’s Vision Screening Program:

• One in four elementary school-age children has a vision problem.
• One in every twenty preschool children has a vision problem.
• Eye disorders, if they remain undiscovered, can harmfully affect a child’s personality, his learning ability and his entire adjustment in school.
  
  

 Information and Referral Services

Prevent Blindness Oklahoma provides referrals to children who do not pass screenings and need medical follow-up, as well as offering referrals to adults.  Vouchers for free exams and glasses for children, if prescribed, are part of this program if eligibility requirements are met.  General information is also provided to individuals, groups, and educators interested in eye education and safety.