In the state of Mississippi, vision screening requirements are defined for both preschool and school-age children to ensure early detection of vision problems.
Ages 3–5: Annual distance visual acuity screenings using LEA Symbols® or HOTV Letters.
Ages 6+: Annual distance visual acuity screenings using Sloan Letters or LEA Numbers®.
Instrument-Based Screening: Alternative for ages 1–2 years and older children unable to complete optotype-based screenings.
Optional Additional Tests:
Stereoacuity screening
Color vision deficiency screening
Near vision testing (may be used but is not prioritized)
2. Screening Referral Criteria (Criteria for Passing Vision Test)
Ages 3: Must correctly identify 20/50 optotypes.
Ages 4–5: Must correctly identify 20/40 optotypes.
Ages 6+: Must correctly identify 20/32 optotypes.
Rescreen: Within 6 months if a child fails the initial screening.
3. Children Who Should Bypass Screening
Children with known vision impairments or active vision care (e.g., wearing corrective glasses or receiving ophthalmologic care).
Children with previously diagnosed visual impairments requiring specialized follow-up.
Instrument-based screening can be used as an alternative when children are unable to complete standard tests.
4. Required Tools OR Important Changes to Tools Used/Discontinued
Primary Tools for Distance Visual Acuity:
Ages 3–5: Single, surrounded LEA Symbols® or HOTV Letters flipcharts at 5–10 feet; crowded line charts or critical line flipbooks.
Ages 6+: Sloan Letters or LEA Numbers® at 10 feet.
Near Vision Testing Tools (Optional):
Near charts with 16-inch measuring cord.
Acceptable Occluders:
Parrot Frosted Lens Occluders
Eye Patches
Flip-Up Frosted Occluder Glasses
Instrument-Based Tools (Optional):
Devices like Welch Allyn Spot or Plusoptix S12C for refractive error and eye misalignment.
GLD-Vision® Changes:
2.5-minute automated digital screenings including visual acuity, color vision, and stereopsis assessments.
HIPAA/FERPA-compliant results available online instantly.
Eliminates chart memorization, data entry, and extensive manual processes.