Special Programs

The Texas state law states that we are required to perform vision and hearing screenings on all of our PK4 and Kindergarten students within 120 calendar days of admission to school. Schools use what’s called the HOTV chart, which is the only approved eye chart for the age of our students. The issue with this is that most of our students do not know their letters within the first 120 days, even when the teachers review them to prepare for the vision screening. Also a factor is the students don’t really understand what they’re supposed to be doing and it is difficult to be accurate. With 700 students to screen in 120 days, this is a very time consuming process with potentially inaccurate results.

According to the American Optometric Association, up to 75% of school screenings miss vision problems. Vision is such an important part of education; if a child can’t see properly, they are less likely to perform to their full potential, have behavioral issues that mimic ADHD, and can impact their learning for the rest of their lives. Vision issues affect reading, writing, and even perception while running or walking which leads to injuries. Fewer than 15% of preschoolers get professional eye exams, which makes the screenings we do at Menchaca even more important for accuracy and thoroughness. For our students with special needs, using a chart is nearly impossible and we nearly always have to refer our students for an outside exam.

The Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener is very accurate in not only detecting the typical vision issues such as near- and far- sightedness, but can also detect issues including pupil size and alignment and astigmatism, which we cannot do with our chart screenings, but can impact vision in negative ways. The screener purchased is considered a “best practice” screener by the Prevent Blindness Organization. Southside ISD purchased the vision screener to better equip our nurses in testing students who receive special education services or are under the age of 6. At Menchaca, this has allowed Nurse Heather Siebert to test almost every child with this amazing tool. It is because of Nurse Siebert that our district now has the amazing tool as she researched, contacted professionals in optometry, and appealed to our district and Lead Nurse to acquire.

Our students deserve not only the best teachers and resources for in-class education, but they also deserve an investment in best health practices, as well. Early detection of vision problems is one way we can assist our children in their educational needs. The Southside ISD nurses do have resources for our children who are referred for doctor care.