Parent Corner

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What to expect during your child’s vision screening

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection will be completed of your child’s eyes followed by the completion of an evidenced based, age appropriate vision screening method used to assess the function of your child’s eyes in order to determine if there is a vision concern in the right or left eye. If a concern is identified, further evaluation will be recommended.

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Optotypes (Vision Charts)

The Optotypes screening method consists of standardized charts that are used to identify concerns with your child’s acuity or ability to see clearly up close or at a specified distance. Your child is taught to identify symbols or letters verbally or through a simple matching task. This screening method is recommended for children over the age of three.

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Instrument Based Screening

The instrument based screening method consists of photo screeners or auto-refractors that provide a standard measurement to identify concerns with your child’s eyes. This screening method is recommended for children under the age of three or children who are not able to provide a reliable response to optotype screening.

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What to expect during your child’s hearing screening

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection will be completed of your child’s ears followed by the completion of an evidenced based, age appropriate hearing screening method used to assess the function of your child’s ears in order to determine if there is a concern in the right or left ear. If a concern is identified, further evaluation will be recommended.

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Pure Tone Audiometry

Otoacostic Emissions (OAE)

The Otoacoustic Emissions screening method consists of sounds that can be measured with a small probe inserted into the ear canal. This screening method is recommended for children under the age of three or children who are not able to provide a reliable response to Pure Tone Audiometry screening.

The Pure Tone Audiometry screening method consists of sounds that are presented through headphones placed over your child’s ears. Your child is taught to respond to the sounds by raising their hand or demonstrating other simple tasks in response to the series of tones that are presented to each ear. This screening method is recommended for children over the age of three.

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Parent Resources

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FREE Hearing and Vision Screenings for children
(0-5yrs)

Community Connections


AZ Division of
Early Childhood Events


Arizona Early
Childhood Community Resources