Parent Resources

Asian father and daughter are reading book while lying on the carpet in the living room at her home. The cute little girl hugs the doll and smile happily with his father

Parent Resources

Welcome to Parent Resources! If you’re here, it’s likely because your child recently participated in a free vision screening through Iowa KidSight. This page is here to help you understand your child’s results, what to do next, and how to find the care your child may need.

Next Steps After a Vision Screening

If your child did not pass the Iowa KidSight vision screening, it means a potential vision problem was detected. This does not mean your child has a diagnosis—but it does mean further evaluation is needed.

You will receive a referral packet with your child’s screening results and important next steps. Here’s what to do next:

Step 1: Open and review the referral packet carefully.

If you have not received a referral packet, please allow up to four weeks from the date of your child’s screening for it to arrive. If you still have not received it after this time, we encourage you to contact us for assistance.

Step 2: Schedule an appointment with an eye care provider for a full dilated eye exam.

Please refer to the FIND AN EYE CARE PROVIDER button below if you require assistance in finding a provider. Please take the referral packet to the appointment so the provider can review the screening results.

Step 3: Ask the Doctor to complete the Evaluation Sheet and return it to Iowa KidSight

We kindly ask that your child’s eye care provider complete the Evaluation Sheet following the appointment. This helps us ensure the accuracy and credibility of our vision screening program, and allows us to monitor outcomes and improve services for all children. Please return the completed form to Iowa KidSight using the instructions provided.

Click here to access the [Evaluation Sheet].

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILDS RESULTS

FIND AN EYE CARE PROVIDER

Vision Problems in Children

Child may not be aware that they have a vision problem
Caregivers may not know there is a problem, it isn't always recognizable
How does a young child communicate that there is a problem

Amblyopia is the most common vision problem in preschool children. It is a decrease in vision in one or both eyes and arises without structural damage to the eye or optic nerve. When amblyopia is undetected or left untreated, it results in permanent vision loss that may adversely affect a person throughout life.

The incidence of amblyopia in the United States is estimated to be 3-5% of the population. This means that as many as 9,000 Iowa children under the age of 4 years suffer from poor vision in one or both eyes. If amblyopia is detected and treated early in life, permanent visual loss can be prevented.

Share Your Success Story

Has Iowa KidSight made a difference in your child’s life? We’d love to hear from you! Your story could inspire and encourage other families going through the same journey.

Share Your Story

Parent Resources