The assessment of visual acuity in the preverbal child is reviewed. Four techniques are discussed: optodinetic nystagmus, forced choice preferential looking, visually evoked potential, and electroretinography. Development of binocularity and refractive changes are traced. (CL)

The booklet, another in a series for parents of deaf blind children, presents information in large type about the nature and cause of deaf blindness. A drawing of the ear is followed by a simplified discussion of the ear's functioning and definitions of terms (such as spondee threshold) used in hearing testing and hearing loss. Similarly, a…

The manual was intended to help school personnel (either an educator of the visually handicapped and/or a certified orientation and mobility instructor) evaluate the functional use of residual vision. The manual is organized in three major sections, which cover the following: (1) the general areas addressed in functional vision evaluation (such as…

The purpose of this book goes beyond a procedural manual or a "how-to, cook book" approach to vision screening. This book is intended to assist the new school nurse in fully understanding the screening process, comprehending the pathophysiology of the several visual functions, which may be assessed in the school setting. This book is also intended…

The examination of a child for strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) and treatment if the condition is present are described. General considerations when evaluating need of surgery are presented. Steps in the ophthalmologic examination are discussed, including such tests as extraocular muscle function and traction testing and studies of eye…

Discusses steps for Head Start staff and parents to observe child behaviors indicating possible undetected vision problems. Describes activities to test children's visual skills involving fixation, movement of both eyes inward, shift of gaze, and visual tracking of an object. Provides a checklist of unusual vision behaviors and tips for assisting…

Included is information on establishing a system or upgrading existing services, selecting appropriate screening tools, referring persons in need of professional vision care, obtaining appropriate treatment, and providing follow-up services required to ensure that all persons with severe handicaps receive the best possible vision care. (Author/SB)

Part of a series of booklets designed to provide practical ideas parents can use to help their children become readers, this booklet focuses on children's eyesight. The booklet's seven sections are as follows: (1) How Does Vision Affect Children's Progress in School? (2) What Kinds of Problems Affect These Demands for Vision? (3) How Can I Spot…

This article reports on a study of the methods that 21 ophthalmologists used to assess the visual acuity of children with multiple impairments and the difficulties they encountered. Additional means of assessing visual function and alternative means of communicating the results are suggested. (Author/DB)

The article provides information about the number and diversity of preschool children with handicaps requiring vision services, such as refractive errors and eye muscle imbalances, and describes a vision care system designed to ensure that these preschool children receive optimal vision care. (Author/CL)

The booklet provides an overview on vision therapy to aid writers, editors, and broadcasters help parents, teachers, older adults, and all consumers learn more about vision therapy. Following a description of vision therapy or vision training, information is provided on how and why vision therapy works. Additional sections address providers of…

The role of optometry in the study of learning difficulties and the problems of interpreting research results in the fields of optometry and ophthalmology are discussed. Limitations of school visual screening are described, and it is suggested that many children with learning difficulties should be referred for a full clinical visual examination.…

The authors describe personal experiences with Usher's Syndrome, a condition involving visual impairment (due to Retinitis Pigmentosa) and deafness. Prevalence and onset of Usher's Syndrome are described along with characteristics of two different types. Problems connected with diagnosis are reviewed, including genetic aspects and the progressive…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to provide basic information about changes in vision for older adults and what kind of services are needed particularly adults with developmental disabilities. Questions address the following topics: the importance of eye exams for adults with developmental disabilities; the need for eye exams even…

Techniques for evaluating the multiply impaired child's functional level of vision are described and a sequence of visual stimulation instruction for children with visual impairments is presented. (PHR)