Vision and Hearing

The State of Georgia requires that all children entering a school in Georgia have an eye, ear, and dental screening. Pre-K and kindergarten children are screened in the Fall and new students are screened as they enter school throughout the year. The state also requires vision screening for third and sixth grades. Parents are notified in writing if their child needs to see a doctor, dentist, or eye doctor for more testing.

If you would like your child's vision or hearing tested at other times, please sign a Permission to Test Vision and Hearing Form and return it to the school nurse. The school nurse will complete a basic screening and notify you of the results. If your child passes the screening but continues to have problems with vision and hearing, it is important that they have a more thorough exam by their eye or ear doctor.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that can worsen and cause pain and problems moving. If caught early, while a child is still growing, it is more easily treated.

The State of Georgia requires that students in 5th-8th grades be screened for scoliosis at least twice. In Clarke County, the school nurses screen 5th, 6th and 8th grades. A form is sent home before the screening. If you DO NOT want your child screened you should fill out the form and send it back to school. You will receive a letter from the Clarke County Health Department if your child needs to be checked by a doctor. For more information on scoliosis, visit the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta website at www.choa.org.