Vision & Hearing Screening
If you do not wish your child screened for either hearing or vision, please contact your school nurse.
Washington State law (WAC 246-760) requires schools to conduct auditory and visual screenings of children each year. Students in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 are screened. If your child is not scheduled to be screened this year you may request a screening by contacting your child’s teacher or school nurse. Inform them of any concerns you may have.
A professional evaluation by an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) is recommended for students who do not pass their vision screening.
A professional evaluation by a hearing specialist (audiologist) is recommended for students who do not pass their hearing screenings.
If you have any questions regarding the results of your child’s screening, please contact the school nurse.
Read Procedure 3410P for more information on Screenings and Student Health
Vision Screening
Vision screenings are generally completed in the first half of the school year. Vision screening is done using a PlusOptix photo screener device or an Alphabet or Symbol vision chart. Students who wear corrective lenses are screened with the lenses on. Near vision and distance vision are screened. Parents are informed by mail if their child does not pass the screening.
Hearing Screening
Hearing screenings are generally completed in the first half of the school year. Hearing screening is done using equipment where students listen to tones at 1000, 2000 and 4000 hertz (Hz) at hearing levels of 20 decibels (dB). Students who do not pass the initial hearing test may be scheduled to be re-screened by the district audiologist. Parent/guardians are notified by mail if their child does not pass the screening.