Improving Vision Outcomes for Children from Birth to Five Years of Age
The mission of the Association for Pediatric Vision (APV) is to improve vision outcomes for children five and under, by strengthening existing vision screening programs and serving as an expert resource for pediatric vision health.
Ensure Your Child's Vision Health, Get Involved Today!
About APV
APV is funded by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the Maternal & Child Health Bureau.
This membership-based program is designed to meet the needs of communities around the nation. Our goal is to bring awareness to vision development issues in children five and under. This population of children is typically underserved and forgotten, and because of that, vision problems go unnoticed. By shining a spotlight on the need for vision screening in children this age, our goal is to see children learn and succeed in the classroom and in life!
The future of our nation’s children is in your hands.
Young children do not get the support and care they need when it comes to their vision health.
- Fewer than 15% of preschool children receive an eye exam by a professional.
- Less than 4% school vision screenings include a comprehensive eye exam.
Caregivers
What is a vision screening?
A vision screening is a quick eye and vision check to help find vision issues in children. It is an important part of preventative eye care. Vision screening is critical for children 5 and under.
- Vision screenings are the first step to get children necessary eye care.
- A pediatrician visit would be considered a screening and not an eye exam.
- Proper screenings can avoid preventable vision loss.
- Having follow-up eye care is always necessary.
Screeners
APV is tasked with creating a collaborative effort to unify vision screening protocols across the country.
This allows more children to get screened properly and ultimately receive the necessary follow-up eye care.
APV is partnering with vision screeners throughout the US to improve vision outcomes for children 5 and under.
With membership you have access to:
- A national certification program for individual and organizational vision screeners.
- Ongoing learning opportunities on new techniques, new technologies and expert advice on best practices.
- Training and assistance in helping to detect eye diseases and vision impairments in children.
- Consultations will include an evaluation of the health of existing vision screening programs. Training will be focused on vision screeners, program managers, educators, and caregivers.
APV will provide national leadership, tools and resources, provide technical assistance, establish partnerships & collaborations to improve vision outcomes for children five and under.
We are committed to reaching families and caregivers of young children by providing free resources like webinars, a website, e-newsletters, and community outreach.
Who can get involved?
Vision Screeners and Caregivers of children ages 5 & under are encouraged to join our program.
Membership Opportunities
- Resources for families and screeners to aid in detecting vision issues
- Improved trainings for vision screeners
- Updated information about available technologies
- Certification opportunities
- Network of national members to collaborate and connect with
- Continuing education opportunities
