South Carolina State
|
Time to read 1 min
Summary of the South Carolina State Guidelines
1. Required Screenings
In the state of South Carolina, vision screenings are conducted using both optotype-based and instrument-based tools depending on age and developmental appropriateness.
Distance Visual Acuity Screening
- Ages 3–5: Use LEA SYMBOLS® or HOTV letters with single-surrounded optotypes
- Testing distance: 5 feet for flip charts and wheels; 10 feet for crowded-line or full-threshold charts
- Ages 6 and older: Use Sloan Letters or LEA Numbers® with 10-foot optotype charts
Near Vision Screening
- Ages 3–5: LEA SYMBOLS® or HOTV letters
- Ages 6 and older: Sloan Letters or LEA Numbers®
- Testing distance: 16 inches using a measuring cord
Instrument-Based Screening
-
Recommended for:
- Ages 1–2 years
- Children aged 3–5 as an alternative to optotype-based screening
- Ages 6+ who cannot participate in standard visual acuity screening
Additional Screenings
- Stereoacuity Screening: Example: Pass Test 2
- Color Vision Screening: Examples include LEA Numbers® and Ishihara plates (10 or 14 plate versions)
2. Screening Referral Criteria (Criteria for Passing Vision Test)
- Ages 3: Must correctly identify the majority of optotypes on the 20/50 line
- Ages 4–5: Must correctly identify the majority of optotypes on the 20/40 line
- Ages 6 and older: Must correctly identify the majority of optotypes on the 20/32 line
- Near Vision: Referral criteria align with distance visual acuity thresholds
3. Children Who Should Bypass Screening
- Children already receiving treatment for known vision impairments
- Children wearing corrective lenses and under professional eye care
- Children with medical or developmental conditions that prevent successful screening participation
4. Required Tools OR Important Changes to Tools Used/Discontinued
Acceptable Screening Tools
Distance Visual Acuity:
- LEA SYMBOLS®
- HOTV flip charts
- Sloan Letters charts
- Charts must be used at 5-foot or 10-foot standardized distances
Near Vision:
- LEA SYMBOLS®
- HOTV
- Sloan Letters near cards with a 16-inch measuring cord
Instrument-Based Screening:
- Welch Allyn Spot
- Plusoptix S12C
Stereoacuity and Color Vision Tools:
- Pass Test 2
- Ishihara plates
- LEA-based color vision charts
Unacceptable Occluders:
- Tissues, hands, paper cups, or adult-held occluders
Updates and Recommendations:
- Instrument-based screening is recommended for children ages 1–5 and for those unable to complete optotype-based screening
- Acceptable occluders: Frosted lens occluders, eye patches, or spectacle occluders