Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program
Prep vision screening
The Prep vision screening service aims to give Queensland children the best possible start to their education as they transition into primary school. Registered nurses based in communities across Queensland visit local schools to provide free vision screenings for Prep students in state, catholic and independent schools.
Vision screening in early childhood is important for detecting conditions such as amblyopia, or a ‘lazy eye’ which, if not treated early, can lead to blindness. Vision problems can cause difficulties in the classroom, including problems with concentration and behavioural issues, which can lead to poor learning outcomes. The Prep vision screening service, delivered by the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program, provides the opportunity for visual abnormalities to be detected and treated early and, in turn, minimise the impact on a child’s learning.
What does the screening involve?
Registered nurses use two non-invasive screening tools to test for common vision conditions:
- A card matching game (called a PARR 4m letter matching visual acuity test)
- A photograph of the eyes taken with a special automated camera (the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener).
If a visual abnormality is found during a child’s vision screen, they will be referred to an eye health professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) for further assessment. The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program will follow-up with parents/guardians to discuss the outcome of this further assessment.
Contact us
If you have any questions, or would like some more information please contact the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program:
t: 1800 687 372
e: Admin.PSNHRP@health.qld.gov.au
Who can access this service?
Free vision screening is offered to all Prep students in participating state, catholic and independent schools.
Resources
Children’s Health Queensland fact sheets, resources and videos
- Vision screening information for parents and carers
Also available in:
Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese, 한국어 | Korean, 普通话 | Mandarin, 廣東話 | Cantonese, العربية | Arabic - Prep Vision Screening: your questions answered
- Evie’s story
- Vision screening information for school staff
- Vision screening information for health professionals
