Michigan Teachers' Opinoins on the Efficacy of School Vision Screenings

Background: According to the American Public Health Association, about 10% of
children under the age of five have eye or vision problems. Currently in the State of
Michigan, vision screenings are held prior to entering kindergarten and in grades 1, 3, 5,
7, and 9 and again as part of drivers training. However, according to the Michigan
Optometric Association, a vision screening can miss up to 60% of children with vision
problems. This study collects and analyzes Michigan teachers' opinions about school
vision screenings and the visual learning process.
Methods: Surveys were sent via email to 500 elementary teachers from randomly selected elementary schools throughout the state of Michigan. The survey asked about current vision screenings being conducted in the school and if teachers feel that these screenings are sufficient for detecting vision problems. The survey also asked if the teachers would like more education on vision and its effect on the learning process, among other questions.
Results: Of78 respondents, 100% agree that vision impacts a child's performance in
every subject, as well as standardized testing. Approximately 84.6% of teachers would
argue that vision screenings should be performed every year, while 80.8% agree that
children should have a comprehensive eye examination by an eye specialist before
entering first grade. Of the 80.8%, approximately 57% believe it should be Michigan law
to require this complete ocular examination. Approximately 60% of teachers are
interested in implementing a computer software program that works on eye tracking skills as well as math and reading, while 71.8% were also interested in implementing noncomputer activities such as worksheets or games. Conclusions: Michigan elementary teachers overwhelmingly support children having a
complete eye examination prior to first grade and slightly over half feel it should
mandated by state law. The teachers agree that school vision screenings detect some, but not all vision factors that influence a child's academic performance.