Spring 2021: Early Vision Screening of Young Children Ages Birth Through Five

Presented by: Tanni Anthony

Date: 05/08/2021

Early vision screening is essential to determine the need for further evaluation that may result in a referral to eye care specialists for possible diagnosis, correction, or sight mitigation of visual concerns in the early years. It may also result in a referral for early intervention or special education services based on the identification of pediatric visual impairment. Classic vision screening components will be reviewed, as will a tool developed by the Colorado Department of Education to gain key information from families during the pandemic when in person vision screening could not be conducted. This Parent Questionnaire became an invaluable bridge to identify possible ocular and brain-based vision concerns in a proactive manner. The questionnaire will be shared for its design and scoring, as well as its place in future in-person screening procedures. Dr. Tanni Anthony is the Director of the Access, Learning, and Literacy (ALL) Team with the Exceptional Student Services Unit within the Colorado Department of Education. She serves as the State Consultant on Blindness/Low Vision and the Project Co- Director of the Colorado Services for Children and Youth with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss. Tanni received her Ph.D. from the University of Denver in the area of Child and Family Studies. She presents frequently on the topics of sensory disabilities in the early years and working with children and youth with sensory and additional disabilities.