If your child failed a vision screening, had a borderline result, or was referred for follow-up, the next step is usually a closer look with the right eye care professional. Get clear, parent-friendly guidance on what the result may mean and how to move forward.
Answer a few questions about your child’s abnormal vision screening result to get personalized guidance on common next steps, follow-up timing, and what parents often ask after a school or pediatric screening.
A vision screening is designed to flag possible concerns, not diagnose a specific eye problem. If your child failed the screening or received an inconclusive result, it may mean the screener noticed something that needs a more complete eye exam. Common reasons include trouble seeing clearly at a distance, focusing issues, eye alignment concerns, or simply difficulty participating during the screening. Many children who are referred for follow-up do well once they get a full evaluation.
Your child may need a full eye exam to check for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These are common and often manageable.
Some screenings pick up signs that the eyes may not be working together as expected, which can affect reading, focus, or visual comfort.
Young age, distraction, shyness, fatigue, or misunderstanding directions can sometimes lead to a borderline or abnormal result even when the issue is not serious.
Look for details about whether your child failed the screening, had a borderline result, or was specifically referred for follow-up.
In many cases, the next step is a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, depending on what your child’s clinician or school recommends.
Share the screening form, any symptoms you’ve noticed, family eye history, and whether your child has been squinting, sitting close to screens, or complaining of headaches.
Headaches, squinting, eye rubbing, double vision, trouble reading, or frequent complaints that things look blurry are good reasons to arrange follow-up soon.
If your child has had more than one abnormal vision screening result, it is especially important to complete the recommended follow-up.
If the school form or pediatric note was unclear, getting personalized guidance can help you understand whether the referral sounds routine or more time-sensitive.
Not always. A failed screening means something needs a closer look, but it does not confirm that your child needs glasses. Some children do need vision correction, while others may have a temporary issue, a focusing concern, or a result affected by how the screening was done.
Start by reading the notice carefully and scheduling the recommended follow-up. A school screening is meant to identify children who may need a full eye exam. Bringing the school form to the appointment can help the eye care professional understand what was flagged.
Follow the timing listed on the referral if one was provided. If your child has symptoms like headaches, squinting, eye turning, or trouble seeing the board or reading, it is reasonable to arrange follow-up sooner rather than later.
Yes. Screenings can be affected by attention, cooperation, fatigue, or confusion about instructions. That said, an abnormal result should still be taken seriously enough to complete the recommended follow-up.
Answer a few questions to receive personalized guidance based on whether your child failed the screening, had a borderline result, or was referred for follow-up.
Answer a Few QuestionsExplore more assessments in this topic group.
See related assessments across this category.
Find more parenting assessments by category and topic.
Unexpected Test Results
Unexpected Test Results
Unexpected Test Results
Unexpected Test Results