Vision Screening
Reviewed
A vision screening checks how well you can see things up close and far away. It is a non-diagnostic test that helps identify possible vision problems, leading to a referral for a comprehensive eye exam if needed. Vision screening is commonly performed on children and adults during routine health checkups or at school.
Preparation and collection
If you or your child wears glasses or contact lenses, bring them to the screening. No other special preparation is needed.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- Vision screening may miss some types of eye disorders. A comprehensive eye exam is recommended for complete eye health evaluation.
- Screening results are not a diagnosis; they indicate the need for further evaluation.
What to do next
If the screening indicates a possible problem, follow up with an eye care specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist) for a comprehensive eye exam and appropriate treatment. For normal results, continue routine vision screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider.