The Ohio Department of Health has issued updated vision screening guidelines for Ohio schools, the first update since 2017. These revisions reflect current best practices in children’s vision screening, with minimal changes to screening procedures.
Key updates include:
- A revised introduction and updated guidance on access to care.
- Clarified language on children who may bypass screening.
- New guidance for online and virtual schools.
- Updated IEP-related guidance.
- Removal of mass screening guidance.
- Addition of the ABCs of observation.
- Stereopsis now required even with 5‑foot LEA screening.
- Removal of discontinued equipment.
- Updated definition of a “completed referral.”
- Added record‑keeping guidance and common vision occurrences in schools.
- Minor updates to forms and letters.
The guidelines and supporting documents can be found at Vision Screening Requirements and Guidelines for Preschool and School-Aged Children | Ohio Department of Health. Please share them with your members, staff, and the schools and families you support.
For questions, contact Molly O'Brien at 614-466-4183 or Molly.O'[email protected]