What is the primary purpose of visual screening in educational settings?

The primary purpose of visual screening in educational settings is to identify children who may require further eye evaluations. Visual screenings are typically quick assessments designed to detect potential vision problems that could impact a child's ability to learn and perform in school. By identifying students who may have undiagnosed vision issues, school screenings help ensure these children are referred for comprehensive eye exams, which are necessary to diagnose and treat any visual impairments.

While comprehensive eye exams and providing corrective lenses are crucial components of vision care, they fall outside the scope of what visual screenings aim to accomplish in schools. They are not meant to be diagnostic but rather a first step in the process of ensuring students have the visual acuity necessary for academic success. Furthermore, assessing overall academic performance is not the focus of a visual screening; rather, the emphasis is on vision health and its implications for learning.