Vision Spot Screening
Quick and Accurate Vision Screening for Children
Vision Screenings at the Pediatric Center – Idaho Falls and Rigby, Idaho
Vision health is an essential part of your child’s development. At the Pediatric Center, we provide advanced Vision Spot Screening to help identify vision concerns as early as possible. This technology allows us to evaluate eye health in infants, toddlers, and children who may not be able to complete a traditional eye chart exam. Vision Spot Screening is quick, accurate, and designed specifically with young children in mind.
Understanding Vision Spot Screening
Vision Spot Screening is a non-invasive, handheld vision assessment tool that analyzes a detailed image of both eyes in just seconds. The device uses gentle lights and sounds to gain your child’s attention, which makes the process smooth and comfortable even for very young children. Since many vision problems do not cause noticeable symptoms, this screening helps identify issues that might otherwise be missed during early childhood.
What Vision Spot Screening Can Detect
Vision Spot Screening can identify a wide range of vision concerns, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, unequal vision power (anisometropia), irregular eye alignment that may lead to amblyopia, unequal pupil size (anisocoria), and structural abnormalities of the eye. Early detection of these conditions is important because timely treatment can significantly improve long term vision outcomes.
When We Perform Vision Spot Screening
At the Pediatric Center, we perform Vision Spot Screening beginning at 12 months of age. We repeat this screening every year during your child’s annual well visit. Regular screening allows us to monitor your child’s developing vision and quickly identify changes that may require evaluation by a specialist.
What to Expect During the Screening
The Vision Spot Screening process is simple and child friendly. Your child sits comfortably, often on a parent’s lap. A trained staff member holds the handheld device a short distance from your child’s face. Lights and sounds help capture your child’s attention while the device takes a quick measurement. The entire process takes only a few seconds. There are no eye drops, no contact with the eyes, and no discomfort.
Why Early Vision Screening Matters
Healthy vision affects every part of your child’s growth and daily life. Children rely on their eyes for learning, reading, social interaction, movement, and overall development. Many vision problems begin early in life and progress without noticeable symptoms. Routine screening makes it possible to address concerns before they interfere with your child’s development or school performance. Early detection can help prevent long term vision loss, support healthy eye coordination, and improve overall quality of life.
What Happens if a Concern is Identified
If the screening indicates anything outside the normal range, our team will explain the results and guide you through the next steps. When needed, we refer children to trusted pediatric eye specialists in our region for a comprehensive eye exam. The Pediatric Center team works closely with families to ensure that follow up appointments and recommendations are easy to understand and complete.
FAQs Vision Spot Screening
What is Vision Spot Screening?
Vision Spot Screening is a quick, non-invasive test that evaluates your child’s eyes for common vision problems. It uses a handheld device that captures images of both eyes and analyzes them for potential issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, eye misalignment, and more.
At what age should my child have Vision Spot Screening?
We begin screening at 12 months of age and continue every year during routine well-child visits. If you have concerns about your child’s vision before their next scheduled visit, we can perform the screening sooner.
How long does the screening take?
The Vision Spot Screening is very fast and typically takes only a few seconds to complete. It is designed to be quick and stress-free for young children.
Does the screening hurt or require eye drops?
No. Vision Spot Screening is completely non-invasive. There are no eye drops, no contact with the eyes, and no discomfort for your child.
What types of vision problems can Vision Spot Screening detect?
The screening can detect nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, unequal vision power (anisometropia), eye misalignment (which may lead to amblyopia), unequal pupil size (anisocoria), and structural abnormalities in the eye.
What happens if a vision problem is found?
If the screening shows a potential concern, we will discuss the results with you and provide a referral to a pediatric eye specialist for a formal, comprehensive eye exam.
Why is early vision screening important?
Early detection of vision problems allows for timely treatment, which can improve school performance, prevent long-term vision loss, and support proper eye development. Many vision issues in children develop silently and can go unnoticed without screening.
Is Vision Spot Screening available at both locations?
Yes. Vision Spot Screening is available at our Rigby and Idaho Falls clinics. You can schedule an appointment at either location.
Serving Families in Idaho Falls and Rigby
The Pediatric Center proudly serves children and families in Idaho Falls, Rigby, and surrounding communities. Our sports physical services ensure children are healthy, safe, and ready to participate in athletics. Schedule a sports physical today to meet school and league requirements and provide your child with the confidence to perform their best.