GUIDELINES FOR VISION SCREENERS*

Based on the National Vision Screening Program by the Philippine Eye Research Institute, NIH-UPM

SET-UP
Infection Control
Instruct the pupils to wash their hands with soap and water before the screening.
Pupils whose eyes are red or with discharge should not be screened but referred immediately to an eye care professional.

Things to look out:

Pupils with glasses: Screen first without eyeglasses then while wearing glasses LEA® Chart
Pupils with learning disabilities: Allow the child to observe other pupils. & Screener
Pupils with physical disabilities: Request assistance of parent or guardian.

Selecting and Preparing the Screening Area

A quiet space, with at least 10 feet of testing distance 10 Feet
A well lit room, free from any glare
Chairs for the screener, and child to be screened
Anti-bacterial wipes to clean equipment between uses
Chairs for children who are waiting outside the screening area. Pupil

*More information on the vision screening program can be seen at Screening Area
www.bit.ly/kindervisionscreening. Forms can also be downloaded from the site.

VISION SCREENING

Step 1. PRACTICE Step 2. RIGHT EYE Step 3. LEFT EYE

• Have the child identify • Occlude or cover the • Occlude or cover the
(by pointing to the left eye to test the right right eye to test the left
transparent response eye. Ask the child to eye. Ask the child to
key) the 4 symbols at identify the symbols on identify the symbols on
the top of the chart the FIRST LINE from the the SECOND LINE after
(10/50 line) with both red bar. the red bar.
eyes uncovered.

Criteria for Rating:

FR (Front Row) Both Eyes: Not able to identify 3 of 5 figures for both eyes. Since both eyes have difficulty reading small
letters, it is advisable to let students sit in front row to improve learning. They may be referred to an eye care professional for
evaluation.
FR (Front Row) One Eye: Not able to identify 3 of 5 figures for one eye. Since only one eye has difficulty reading small letters,
they may be seated anywhere on the first 3 rows. However, they may be referred to an eye care professional for evaluation and
possible screening for lazy eye.
NFR (Not Front Row): Able to identity 3 of 5 figures. Student may be seated anywhere.

Recording the Results:

Put FR under the column of the tested eye when the pupil is NOT ABLE to correctly identify 3 out 5 symbols.
Put NFR under the column of the tested eye when the pupil is ABLE to correctly identify 3 out 5 symbols.

The National Vision Screening Program is a project of the Philippine Eye Research Institute in collaboration with the Department of Health and
Department of Education and is currently being deliberated in the Senate to institutionalize through law.