Louisiana State
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Summary of the Louisiana State Guidelines
1. Required Screenings
Mandatory Vision Screenings:
- Screenings for distance visual acuity (optotype-based).
- Color vision deficiency screening for 1st grade students (optional for Pre-K and new enrollees).
- Stereoacuity screening is optional but recommended.
Frequency:
- Vision screenings must occur at least once every two years.
- Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1: Screen annually.
- Grades 2 and above: Screen every two years, unless otherwise indicated.
Screening Personnel:
- Conducted by school nurses or designated personnel under their supervision.
2. Screening Referral Criteria (Criteria for Passing Vision Test)
Distance Visual Acuity:
- Ages 3 years: Must identify 3 out of 5 symbols on the 20/50 line.
- Ages 4 and 5 years: Must identify 3 out of 5 symbols on the 20/40 line.
- Ages 6 years and older: Must identify 3 out of 5 symbols on the 20/32 line.
- Two-line difference between eyes (even if within passing range) is a referral criterion.
Near Visual Acuity (Optional):
- Failure to meet the criteria for near screening requires referral.
Rescreening:
- Students failing any part of the vision screening must be rescreened the same day or within 6 months.
3. Children Who Should Bypass Screening
Children with Known Vision Conditions or Risk Factors:
- Diagnosed conditions such as amblyopia, strabismus, or high refractive error.
- Genetic syndromes (e.g., Down Syndrome, Marfan Syndrome, Usher Syndrome).
- Prenatal exposures or illnesses (e.g., toxoplasmosis, rubella, Zika).
- Perinatal conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity.
Children Unable to Participate in Screening:
- Those who refuse or cannot complete the screening process must be referred directly for a comprehensive eye exam.
Children with Special Health Care Needs:
- Conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, cognitive delays, and neurodevelopmental disabilities warrant direct referral.
4. Required Tools OR Important Changes to Tools Used/Discontinued
Approved Tools:
- Optotype-Based Tools (e.g., LEA Symbols®, HOTV charts).
- Instrument-based screening is allowed when optotype screening is not feasible.
- Specific options include Sloan Letters, AAPOS kits, and EyeSpy 20/20™ computerized screening.
Discontinued Tools:
- Tools not evidence-based or validated for screening are not recommended.
- Refer to Appendix C for a list of non-recommended tools.
External Scans:
- Screeners must perform an external scan for visible eye abnormalities.
GLD-Vision® (Optional Enhancement):
- A digital, HIPAA/FERPA-compliant screening tool that includes visual acuity, depth perception, and color vision screening.
- Reduces the risk of chart memorization and does not require specialized training.