VISION and YOUR CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

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VISION and YOUR CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
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• Sandra Block O.D., M.Ed.- professor of Optometry,
  Illinois College of Optometry
  
• Pam Caldwell- parent of twin boys who are
  multiple-handicapped
  
• Faye Manaster Eldar- moderator and mother of
  Maya, who is deafblind

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WHO WORKS WITH CHILDREN WITH VISION IMPAIRMENT?

• EDUCATIONAL STAFF
• vision itinerant teacher- works with children in
  their educational environment
  
• orthoptist- provides vision training usually in a
  medical setting
  
• orientation and mobility specialist- helps
  children learn to move in their environments
  

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WHAT IS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OPTOMETRIST
OPTHALMOLOGIST

• OPTHALMOLOGIST
• an M.D. or D.O. with specialized training in eye
  care
  
• does exams and surgery

• OPTOMETRIST
• An O. D.- person with specialized training in eye
  care
  
• does exams
• does NOT do surgery

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WHAT IS A VISION SCREENING?

• Cursory exam of what child can see
• results are either pass/fail

• Exam for eyes that turn in or out
• visual check for discharge

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WHAT IS A FULL VISION EXAM?

• How well can the child see?
• How well do they use their eyes?
• Are the eyes postured in a straight ahead
  position?
  
• Is there a difference between the two eyes?

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A FULL VISION EXAM LOOKS AT

• How do the pupils respond?
• The outside of the eye
• The inside of the eye

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WHAT DISABILITIES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH VISION
PROBLEMS?

• Downs Syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy
• Premature birth

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SUMMARY OF AN EYE EXAM

• Visual acuity
• Eye movement skills
• Posture of the eye

• Eye Health
• Dilated Fundus Exam

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TESTING VISION FOR CHILDREN WHO CANT READ AN EYE
CHART OR SPEAK

• Lee symbols- used when children have pointing or
  matching skills
  
• Preferential looking- uses sets of black/white
  cards
  

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GETTING CHILDREN TO WEAR THEIR GLASSES

• Have them wear their glasses when they are using
  their hands for other activities and are less
  likely to remove the glasses
  
• Make sure the glasses are comfortable- check
  frame and prescription
  
• Use a strap behind the head

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WHAT IS LEGAL BLINDNESS?

• Levels of 20/200
• That doesnt mean the child can not see
• Child may have usable vision for orientation and
  mobility
  

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WHEN LOOKING FOR AN EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL

• Find someone you can communicate with
• Look for someone who can relate to your child and
  their special needs
  
• Make sure you get a complete evaluation

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HEALTH INSURANCE VISION

• Medicaid and Kidcare (SCHIP) cover vision exams
• Check with your insurance- they will have a list
  of approved providers. You may need a referral
  from your primary physician
  
• Plans vary some cover ophthalmologists, some
  optometrists, and some both

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PAYING FOR GLASSES

• Check with your insurance. Many plans do not
  cover glasses
  
• Medicaid pays for one pair per year
• You may purchase insurance on the glasses
• Check prices buying from the doctors office may
  or may not be more expensive

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OTHER SOURCES FOR GLASSES

• Lions clubs
• Churches
• Other foundations

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SOURCES OF INFORMATION

• Eye institutes
• School staff vision or special ed teachers,
  school social workers
  
• Large national organizations
• Other parents

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NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

• National Association of Parents with Children
  with Visual Impairments
  
• Prevent Blindness America
• American Optometric Association

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SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH VISION PROBLEMS

• Early intervention from birth to three
• Educational services from 3-21
• To be eligible child must have an eye exam and an
  identified deficit

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WHO CAN BEST SERVE A CHILD BETWEEN 0-3?

• A vision itinerant with experience in early
  intervention
  
• If your child sees an early interventionist, make
  sure they have a background in vision

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PEOPLE WHO HELP IN SCHOOLS

• Vision itinerants- specialists in the school who
  work with children with vision impairments
  
• May consult with the teacher
• May provide direct services

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AIDS FOR VISION

• Glasses
• Computer programs that allow large print
• Large print book
• Various aids that magnify
• Books on tape

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LOW VISION EXAM

• Usually done by an optometrist who specialized in
  treating children with low vision
  
• Tries to find out whether the child could use
  telescopes, microscopes, or other aids

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MORE IDEAS ON GETTING CHILDREN TO WEAR GLASSES

• Have them wear them when it is motivating
• Help the child make the connection between
  glasses and better vision

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SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS

• Keep a notebook of what you are told by
  professionals
  
• Learn the terminology used by professionals
• Help your child, as they grow, assume
  responsibility for their care and vision aids

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PAYING FOR VISION AIDS

• Not usually covered by insurance
• Ask your provider about resources
• If the vision aids are listed in the school
  Individualized Education Plan, they are required
  to pay for them
  
• Check charities, foundations, etc.

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FINAL ADVICE

• Find a eye care specialist you are comfortable
  with
  
• Find resources people, organizations, the
  internet

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THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

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