Pre-school ChildrenAnn Heard

Low Vision and Blind SupportEmail: heard.ann48@yahoo.com

AIMHow can we assist a pre-

school child with low vision to function at maximum

visual potential

Pre-school child with Low Vision

• Child is usually unaware that he/she sees differently

• Requires careful observation• Requires professional

diagnosis and treatment• Requires professional

intervention

Team Support Needed• Family - immediate and

extended• GP• Ophthalmologist• Geneticist• Optometrist • Low Vision Optometrist• Orientation and Mobility

Instructor• Educator• Specialist Educator

• Skills Developer• Psychologist• OT • Audiologist• Orthoptist• Neurologist• NGO• Social Worker

Observing and Identifying• Is child taking

medicine?• Are there emotional

challenges?• Are there physical

challenges?• Are there perceptual

or intellectual challenges?

• Child’s self confidence level?

• Child’s self esteem and self image?

• Does child have support?

Look forBloodshot

Cloudy

Turn InTurn Out

Unusual Movement

Excessive Blinking

Eye Rubbing

Eyes Move Independently

Constant Frowning

Shuts or covers one eye

Excessive Irritability during close activities

Holds toys close

Knocks things over

Moves head not eyes

Observe • Drawing difficulty• Poor concentration when using near vision• Difficulty recognising colours• Stumbles over objects• Bumps into objects• Difficulties with lighting (glare)• Walks with shuffle or stoop• Dislikes physical activity

Listen!!!• “I can’t see that”

• “I see two”

• “I feel dizzy”

• “My head hurts”

• “I feel sick”

Reporting Example• Left eye appears to be very red• Child cries and shuts eyes when

moving outside on sunny day• Trips over step on entering classroom• Cannot find brown or purple smarties

on dark carpet but finds yellow and pink

Reporting Example (cont)• Child sits close to window when doing

table activities• Holds toys of size about 10 cm about

12 cm from eye• Bright toys presented from RHS – head

turns. From LHS no reaction.

Frequently asked questions• How can contrast be used?• Does the child need more time to

complete tasks?• Must I help the child move around?• Must the child use bright strong colours?• Can the child use a pencil or a koki?• Can the child be encouraged to play

rough and tumble?

Frequently asked questions• Must I reorganise the environment?• What lighting is good?• How does glare affect?

•Will making things bigger help?

• Can spectacles help?• Should the child sit close to me?

• Not all vision impairment is the same• Each child is an individual• Join hands with the Team• Be adaptable• Observe and listen• Childs needs will change as he develops

UNDERSTAND THE CHILD’S EYE CONDITION!

Points to Remember