Colorado State
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Summary of the Colorado State Guidelines
1. Required Screenings
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Grades:
- Screenings are mandated for children in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th grades, or comparable age groups.
- Screenings are mandated for children in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th grades, or comparable age groups.
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Additional Screenings:
- Students new to the district.
- Children referred by teachers, parents, or staff.
- Children undergoing evaluation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
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Special Needs:
- For preschool-aged students (ages 0-3), instrument-based screening (e.g., auto-refractors) is recommended. Children ages 3-5 can use either instrument-based screening or optotype-based screening.
- Mandatory for boys starting in Grade 1; not required for TK/K students.
2. Screening Referral Criteria (Criteria for Passing Vision Test)
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Critical Line Referral:
- 3 Years: Must identify majority of optotypes on the 20/50 line.
- 4 Years: Must identify majority of optotypes on the 20/40 line.
- 5+ Years: Must identify majority of optotypes on the 20/30 or 20/32 line.
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Near Vision: Plus Lens Test failure or failure to read near vision cards constitutes a referral.
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Depth Perception: Inability to identify three-dimensional animals during stereopsis screening results in referral.
- Observations and Symptoms: Even if a child passes the screening, observations like crossed eyes, headaches, or behavioral issues indicating vision difficulties warrant referral.
3. Children Who Should Bypass Screening
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Recent Eye Exam: Children who have had a professional eye examination in the prior 12 months.
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High-Risk Children: Those with known ocular abnormalities or systemic conditions that affect vision, such as:
- Strabismus or ptosis.
- Preterm or low birth weight (<3.5 lbs).
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism, Down Syndrome).o Speech/language delays or hearing impairments.
- Parental Exemption: Parents may exempt children based on religious or personal objections.
4. Required Tools OR Important Changes to Tools Used/Discontinued
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Preferred Screening Tools:
- Charts: LEA symbols, HOTV, Sloan letters (10-foot testing distance).
- Light boxes or backlit charts for consistent illumination.
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Instrument-Based Screening:
- Photoscreeners and handheld autorefractors for refractive error, eye alignment, and ocular abnormalities (e.g., Retinomax, Plusoptix, Spot Vision Screener).
- Photoscreeners and handheld autorefractors for refractive error, eye alignment, and ocular abnormalities (e.g., Retinomax, Plusoptix, Spot Vision Screener).
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Discontinued Tools:
- Snellen charts, Tumbling E charts, and Lighthouse Symbol charts are no longer recommended.
- Snellen charts, Tumbling E charts, and Lighthouse Symbol charts are no longer recommended.
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Occluders:
- Adhesive eye patches or hypoallergenic tape are preferred to prevent peeking; paper cups and hands are discouraged.