Hearing & Vision

Screenings

The West Clermont School District has a Comprehensive School Health Program. Screenings for Vision And Hearing problems is part of this program. The Ohio Department of Health mandates that all students be screened for acuity in K, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9^th grades. Students who are new to the district and students referred by teachers are also screened. Vision acuity of 20/30 in each eye is considered passing. If your child does not pass the initial vision test, she/he will be re-screened. Kindergarten Students are screened for muscle balance problems using the alternate cover test. If the eyes are not used properly, vision will not develop normally. First grade boys are tested for color discrimination. Approximately 8% of all males have some degree of color deficit.

Hearing screening is done in K, 1, 3, 5 and 9^th grades. Student must respond to 3 tones in each ear. If they do not hear all 6 tones, they fail the screening. Children who fail this first test will be re-screened in four to six weeks. A temporary, conduction type hearing loss associated with respiratory illness or ear infection, may cause a child not to pass this test. Five percent of all children do not pass the hearing-screening test.

You will be notified by mail if your child has not passed the vision or hearing screening. The Ohio Department of Health in conjunction with the Clermont County Health District, conducts Vision & Hearing Specialty Clinics. A list of these locations and dates will be sent to you. All children ages’ birth to 21 years of age is eligible for services. Please contact the Health Aide at your school  if you need assistance. Resources are available to help you.

If you are concerned about your child’s vision or hearing, we will be happy to test them at any grade level. Please remember, screening programs are intended to identify potential problems and are not meant to diagnose your child’s problem.