PBNC's Children's Screening Programs

Kenneth C. Royall, Jr. Children's Vision Screening Improvement Program

This program is based on a three-hour curriculum endorsed by members of the Pediatric Vision Screening Task Force and the Children and Youth Section of the Department of Health and Human Services. Workshop participants are trained in the fundamentals of vision screening techniques. Optional testing for color and near vision are also discussed. Participants passing performance criteria and a written test are awarded a certificate which qualifies them to perform vision screening in their representative schools.

Through this program, PBNC hopes to ensure that all persons conducting school vision screenings in grades K-6 are doing so in a consistent and uniform manner. Trainings and screenings are available in all 100 North Carolina counties.

Preschool Photorefractive Vision Screenings

PBNC currently offers photorefractive vision screenings to preschoolers in 28 North Carolina counties. Screenings are conducted on-site at childcare centers. A screening with this type of technology is very quick, easy, and non-invasive. Amblyopia (lazy eye), nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, strabismus, and opacities are some of the vision problems that can be detected. It is important to screen preschoolers in order to detect problems that could lead to permanent vision loss if not treated at an early age.

To find out more about programs and services at Prevent Blindness North Carolina, call 919-755-5044.